Is the Claim ‘No Harm Will Overcome Us’ in Psalm 91 True?

When l think about the term “the good old days,” l can’t help but wonder at the possible truth of that statement. I am sure you will agree that the world we live in today is fraught with danger. War, epidemics, massacres, shootings, political riots, and racial injustice – you name it, and we’ve probably lived through it in the last few years. 

It’s little wonder that mankind is crying out for a source of protection to shield them from the next imminent wave of peril.

For many believers, the Bible, particularly Psalm 91, provides them protection. God’s promises of refuge amidst danger provide Christians with a spiritual security blanket to wrap themselves up against the evils of a broken world.

And yet, both Christians and non-Christians alike continue to be exposed to perilous situations. COVID is a typical example of this, where Christians who trusted the Word over vaccinations still succumbed to the virus.

Is there truth in Psalm 91:10 that “no harm will overcome us”?

“no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.”

Let us discuss this further.

Popular Misconceptions About Psalm 91

The key message of Psalm 91, that when you abide in God, He will not allow you to come to harm, understandably appeals to Christians and non-Christians. 

That being said, the sanctified Word of God can quickly shift to the realms of superstition when it is taken out of context and not studied correctly. Consequently, the words of the psalm are designated magical qualities instead of the focus being on God as the Divine author and our Protector. 

As a result,  Psalm 91 has become a popular talisman against warding off evil. Not only are its passages printed on jewelry and worn as amulets, but it is also recited in a spell-like fashion, as though fanatic chanting can prevent danger from crossing one’s path or entering their home or “tent,” as Psalm 91:10 describes.

However, does Psalm 91, particularly verse 10, promise to keep evil away from ourselves, our families, and our loved ones?

Trials and Dangers are to be Expected

Being a Christian does not give us a jail-free card from danger. In fact, it’s actually the opposite. Jesus tells us in John 16:33 that we are promised trouble in this world. He states explicitly in John 15:19 that the world will hate those He chooses. So, if you dedicate your life to Christ, you must be prepared to roll with the punches – literally and in life.

Many Christians, past and present, have suffered great losses. Many of the disciples died horribly, including being crucified upside down, stoned, speared, and tossed into boiling oil (though John did survive that particular torture). Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, David Wilkenson lost his life in a car crash, and Timothy Keller passed away from pancreatic cancer, just to name a few Christian leaders. 

And let us not forget the “average” Christian, such as you and l, who don’t have a preaching platform.  Does Psalm 91:10, and by extension, Psalm 91, apply to those of us who serve and have served the Lord despite our trials?

It does. We just have to view this Scripture from another viewpoint.

Having Security “in” vs. Security “from”

What’s important to consider with Psalm 91:10 is that many of us look to God to keep us safe from danger. We want God to raise defense shields, hide us in His highest tower, and give us refuge under His wings as soon as we see trouble approaching. God becomes our bodyguard who provides us with security “from” danger.

However, that is not how the author of Psalm 91 identifies security. For him, security means being “in” the presence of the Lord, cleaving to Him, and trusting Him when a threat makes itself known. God will take care of the rest, which the author is certain of because dangers will always come, as we confirmed above.

Think about Psalm 23:5, where David states that God prepares a table for him in the presence of his enemies. David is confident in living a blessed life despite having his enemies in close proximity to him. Why? He constantly seeks God and allows Him to guide him with His staff and protect him with His rod. Considering that David is alleged to have written Psalm 91, this makes sense.

David knew that if he dwelled in the House of the Lord, goodness, mercy, and God’s unfailing love would follow him (Psalm 23:6). He would be an overcomer, regardless of the trials and losses he would endure in his lifetime.

Let us look at how we can be overcomers like David. 

No Harm Will Overcome Us

When we think about our need for God’s protection, we tend to consider only the desire to keep our physical selves, health, relationships, and financial welfare safe. 

However, when we enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ, our existence on earth makes up a minuscule part of our existence. Through His sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary, we have eternal life. Therefore, regardless of what dangers we are exposed to in this world, even if we are to lose our lives as a result, we are still overcomers through the blood of Jesus Christ. 

So let the world fling its trials at us and let the enemy come in like a flood. Heck, set the path alight with raging flames we must walk through. They shall not overcome us! 

A Tone of Confidence

A significant characteristic of Psalm 91 is the author’s tone of voice. He doesn’t ask God to protect him, nor does he plead. Particularly in Psalm 91:10, the author instead states that no harm will overcome him. He is absolutely confident that God will look after him.

This mindset differs greatly from the superstitious-based approach to this psalm we discussed before, which is rooted in fear and defensive in application.

Why is the author confident in Psalm 91:10? He acknowledges that the safest place for him is in God’s presence (Psalm 91:1). It is the only stable place in a world of instability. 

When believers learn that God is our anchor and stability, we can go through the world confidently instead of apprehensively and defensively. 

God’s Promise to You

What is so beautiful about Psalm 91 is God’s response to the author’s declarations:

‘“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
  I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name. 
He will call on Me, and I will answer him;
  I will be with him in trouble,
  I will deliver him and honor him.
With a long life I will satisfy him
and show him My salvation.”’

These words are so assuring as they demonstrate God’s ardent desire to have a relationship with us. His promises are genuine, and He always fulfills them.

Therefore, instead of asking God for protection, remember that He has already promised us this. Instead, let us focus on being secure “in” the Lord and remaining steadfast in His presence through the trials and tribulations of this life. 

By His grace, we will always overcome. 

Sources:
crosswalk.com,” What Does “No Harm Shall Overcome You” in Psalm 91:10 Mean for the Coronavirus?” Liz Auld.
hermeneutics.com,” What is the meaning of Psalm 91, and is it a failed promise?”
mcf-a.org.au,” Psalm 91: The Soldier’s Psalm”, BBadmin.
all-creatures.org, “Psalm 91:9-10 Food for Thought
An all-creatures.org Guide to Kingdom Living”, Marni Montanez.

Photo Credit: Pexels/BrunoCervera

Madeline Kalu is an Australian Christian writer and the co-founder of Jacob’s Ladder Blog and The Proverbs 31 Home. She is also the co-author of the “My Year of Miracles 2024” journal, which encourages a daily reflection on the miracles that God performs in our lives throughout 2024. Madeline lives in Germany with her husband Solomon and the family’s two cats who were rescued from the Ukrainian war zone.