This week I will concentrate on the concepts in lesson 11 of Peggy Joyce Ruth’s Psalm 91 workbook, covering chapter thirteen in the reading:

Psalm 91:13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

A corresponding verse:

Luke 10:19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

We as Christians have been given authority over the enemy, but it is not automatic; we must speak forth the authority we have in Jesus’ name when we encounter the enemy.  Peggy’s husband cautions that:  too many Christians take authority when they should be praying, and pray when they should be taking authority. (p. 75) She notes that Jesus for the most part prayed during the night and took authority during the day.

The big question: what types of problems are the lion, cobra, young lion and serpent (dragon in KJV)?

LION is a big, bad, bold problem that hits you in the face such as a mass shooting, a car wreck, financial or “natural” disaster. A YOUNG LION is a small, irritating problem that can develop into a larger one if we don’t head them off.  It’s like the “little foxes” from Song of Solomon 2:15 that spoil the vines.

COBRA is a sneaky, fatal problem like a church split, marital problems…puncture wounds that were undetected until the poison made its way through the body.

DRAGON (serpent) is an unfounded fear; a fantasy, also called a vain imagination. These fears are totally unfounded, but can become self-fulfilling prophecies if we don’t take authority over them.  Fear of the future is a big one; dire predictions in the news, agoraphobia, etc.

 

Peggy notes that up to this point in Psalm 91, God gives us promises.  In this verse, the words ‘tread’ and ‘trample‘ reflect authority. Once you’ve accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you have the fullness of Christ, the same power that was used to raise Him from the grave.  Most of us do not realize what this means and very few use the authority He’s given us. Think About It.  Have you ever had a premonition?  What did you do with it?  If you used it as a prompting to pray, I bet the premonition was not fulfilled.

Here’s encouragement:

                          “Sweet Hour Of Prayer”

1. Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!

   That calls me from a world of care,

   And bids me at my Father’s throne

   Make all my wants and wishes known.

   In seasons of distress and grief,

   My soul has often found relief,

   And oft escaped the tempter’s snare,

   By thy return, sweet hour of prayer.

The following verse shows the authority Jesus gave his disciples:

Matthew 10:1 And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power (authority) over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.

Since we have the same authority the first disciples had, I leave you all with a challenge: Pray and live according to Philippians chapter 4:

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!  ⁵ Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Meditate on These Things

⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. ⁹ The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Let us use the authority Christ has given us to bring healing, health, and true Shalom to those around us!