Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Psalm 91:13, KJV

Psalm 91 talks about the lion, the adder and the dragon and says that you, as God’s trusting child, can triumph over these adversaries.   All of the difficulties and challenges that you will ever face in life are represented by one of these three images.

Lions are bold. They pounce, like a midnight phone call bearing terrible news or an unexpected job loss. These confrontations make you want to run away, but there is no escaping these realities.

In contrast, the adder is a quiet and secretive poisonous snake.  They give no warning prior to biting so the pain is unforeseen. These types of trials may look like betrayal from a trusted friend or cutting words.

Dragons are creatures that embody the fears within our minds. Unseen to others, they rob us of peace. We may fear getting cancer, harm to our children, an airplane crashing, or running out of money. Dragon-like fears have real affects such as physiological and mental fatigue.

Psalm 91 says the answer to overcoming is by “Dwelling in the secret place of the Most High.” (Verse 9) It’s a relationship with God that is your assurance against these enemies.  David wrote, “For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock” (Psalm 27:5) Notice the verse says, “in the day of trouble.”  The God of the Bible knows we are going to need Him, and He waits for us.

 

Resource reading: Psalm 91:1-16