In what ways can Christians apply Psalm 91:13 to overcome fear and doubt? Living the Lion-Trampling Promise “ You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent.” (Psalm 91:13) Seeing the Verse for What It Says • The “lion,” “cobra,” and “serpent” are literal enemies in the natural world and vivid pictures of every threat—physical, spiritual, emotional—that terrifies God’s people. • The verbs “tread” and “trample” are decisive, active, victorious. God does not predict a narrow escape but a crushing triumph. • Because Scripture is true in every word, this verse guarantees real protection and authority for every believer who “dwells in the shelter of the Most High” (Psalm 91:1). Connecting to Christ’s Finished Work • Jesus applied this promise to His followers: “I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions …” (Luke 10:19). • At the cross He disarmed principalities (Colossians 2:15), ensuring that His victory becomes ours. • Romans 16:20 anchors the thought: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” Practical Ways to Overcome Fear and Doubt 1. Ground Your Mind in Truth – Memorize Psalm 91:13; recite it when fear whispers. – Pair it with 2 Timothy 1:7—“God has not given us a spirit of fear…”—to renew thinking patterns. 2. Speak the Word Aloud – Verbal confession turns a promise into a present-tense weapon (Matthew 4:4). – Say, “In Christ, I trample every lion of intimidation and every serpent of deception today.” 3. Visualize the Victory – Picture feet crushing the enemy—just as the verse describes. – Let that image replace anxious “what-ifs” with certain “God-will.” 4. Stand in Christ’s Delegated Authority – Authority must be exercised, not admired. Resist fear the way you resist the devil (James 4:7). – When oppressive thoughts rise, declare, “I reject you in Jesus’ name. I tread on you according to Psalm 91:13.” 5. Cultivate Daily Closeness to God – The promise belongs to those who “abide.” Stay in His Word, worship, and obedience (John 15:7). – Intimacy drives out insecurity; “Perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). 6. Surround Yourself with Faith-Filled Voices – Share testimonies of God’s deliverance; faith is contagious (Revelation 12:11). – Avoid media and conversations that magnify danger over God. 7. Act on Courage, Not on Emotion – Take the step you’ve been delaying—make the call, sign the paper, start the ministry. – Fear shrinks when confronted in the confidence of God’s promise (Joshua 1:9). Remember What the Enemy Really Is • 1 Peter 5:8-9 calls the devil a prowling lion; Psalm 91:13 says that lion’s place is under your feet. • Isaiah 41:10 underscores the same truth: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you … I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Living the Verse Today • Replace every doubtful thought with a corresponding promise. • Keep Psalm 91:13 on your phone lock screen or sticky note. • Celebrate even small victories over anxiety; each is fresh proof that God’s Word works. Closing Encouragement The verse does not ask you to be fearless first; it assures you that in Christ you already wield the authority to crush fear itself. Tread boldly. |
    |