7 Powerful Psalms to Pray for Protection against Fear and Evil

We can only find total protection and security in the person of God; not in money, organizations, career, or even ultimately in other people. Therefore, out of his love, God sent a way for us to be unified with him through his Son. 

Psalm 91 reminds us how true safety only comes with God. “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” This psalm uses powerful imagery to teach us how we need to abide in God’s presence, where his love and strength provide protection. The names of God within the psalm also give us encouragement. Through “Most High” and the “Almighty,” we see the strength and power God has to protect. We can trust him absolutely, relying upon him as our shield.  

God promises to personally deliver and defend those who come to him, which we call repentance. Disease, disaster, and danger might surround us, but they will not overcome us on a simple condition—we abide in his presence. We don’t find protection in our own ability, resources, or strategies but in God alone. This psalm places the choice within us. We can place our trust in things of this world or in ourselves–both of which will fail us–or we can trust the all-powerful God who loves us and desires our reconciliation. 

Psalm 91 reminds us that God’s protection is both intimate and powerful. When we place our faith in him, we find his love and deliverance. His promises never fail. 

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When we come to God we must approach him in recognition of who he is. Every knee will bow and tongue confess that Jesus is Lord of all, and being reconciled to him, we choose to humble ourselves accordingly. God’s protection then extends over us. 

Psalm 34 includes how God protects those in right relationship with him—those who fear him, love him, and follow his ways. David begins the psalm with praise. “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” The man after God’s own heart reveals the way into right relationship with God, and praise is a foundation. David then says, “I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” Seeking God and his guidance provides both a personal response and deliverance from enemies. God’s protection doesn’t mean we won’t have challenges. However, the Father promises his presence and intervention. 

The fear of the Lord means approaching with reverence and awe, not terror to run away. Godly fear shapes how we live, leading us to say no to sin and walk in peace with God and others. The Lord’s protection flows from his nature to those who love him and walk in his ways. We must then align our hearts with him and find refuge and hope. 

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Coming to God in truth and worship and following Christ, our natures are changed. God imparts to us his Spirit, and we are born again. Where we would once be shaken by personal attacks or troubles, we can stand strong in Christ. 

Psalm 62 addresses our unshakable security in God, both now and for eternity. David says, “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.” When we trust in God, we find peace and rest, despite the situation we may be facing. Temporary situations will change, for good or ill, so placing our trust in situations or other people will always fail us. However, God doesn’t change, and he is unshakable. Therefore, we can also live unshakable. 

David even contrasts God’s care with our strength or wealth. He warns against relying upon possessions for security, and he clearly states only God provides lasting protection. “Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” In relationship with the Father, we can go to him, cast our cares upon him during hard times and find the rest and peace we need.

His protection and love goes beyond this life into the eternal, a security that remains and lasts, giving us hope as an anchor for the soul. 

Reading through the Bible, we see that people who follow God often face great troubles in the world. Whether political or social, larger events and forces create crises. Jesus promises we will have trouble in this world (John 16:22). At the same time, he promises he has already overcome the world. 

The popular Psalm 23 pictures God as a shepherd caring for sheep, highlighting his care and protection. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” With God leading us, he provides our every need and guides us. Jesus, the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), teaches this same idea of how God provides our needs when we seek first the Kingdom and the Father’s righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

God leads us through both peaceful and dangerous places. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” During David’s time, valleys could be places where thieves or bandits waited to attack. God doesn’t lead us to necessarily avoid these dangers but to walk through times of uncertainty. With him beside us and before us, we’re never alone and have the greatest protector on our side. Even during our darkest days, he will sustain us.  

God’s protection continues beyond this world. He beat death on the cross and through the resurrection, and in him we also enjoy eternal blessings, as Psalm 23 concludes: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” With this hope, we have peace and courage, no matter the circumstance. 

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Not only do we have dark days in this life, but people sometimes come against us. People betray us or try to destroy our lives in various ways. Since King David wrote many of the psalms and was a warrior and poet, he often praises God for protection against enemies. 

David writes Psalm 27, stating that God will defend us against every enemy. King David opens with, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” God’s presence eliminates fear, just as an adult big brother might help a kindergartener feel safe among bullies. God’s power overwhelms any possible threat we face, whether physical or spiritual. 

Looking back at his experience, David describes God’s protection from those who try to hurt him. “When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and foes who will stumble and fall.” Since we belong to God, and he is with us, we can rest assured that an enemy will receive their own violent intent. We belong to God, and no weapon formed against us will succeed (Isaiah 54:17). Even when it appears evil will win, we have hope in his promise. As David says, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart.” 

We must remember, however, that people aren’t our true enemies. We have a spiritual foe, the Devil and his minions, and they seek to destroy us. Our fight isn’t with people (Ephesians 6:12), so we shouldn’t seek their harm even though they might seek ours. In Ephesians 6, Paul talks about how God empowers us with spiritual weapons to fight with truth and love. In all attacks against us, we know he fights for us against all enemies, whether physical or spiritual. 

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Our troubles might take another form. Instead of a larger world crisis or people attacking us, we might experience challenges of a more personal nature. A loved one might die, or a spouse could betray us. God’s protection and care meets us there, too. 

Psalm 46 reminds us how God remains our refuge and strength, especially during hard times. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Trials and challenges are inevitable; every person will deal with grief or is dealing with it now. When facing loss, God becomes a secure place where we find peace and rest. 

The writer uses strong images to symbolize the chaos we face in our individual lives. “Though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” During loss, hardships can pile up, and we feel like the whole world is falling apart, a dangerous and hopeless time. Yet even during these times, God’s presence can help us endure and remain victorious. We can’t help the initial feeling (fear, anxiety, discouragement), but with the Spirit we have the ability to turn and focus on God. He is only a prayer away in our hearts. As Psalm 46 continues, “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.” Mountains may crumble, but this psalm reminds us how God’s abundance brings joy to us who are God’s house and home. And he is ours. 

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When we repent and belong to God, he becomes our protector. But as a good Father, he also teaches and trains us to be like him. We become disciples, not converts, and he allows us to participate in our battles. 

Psalm 144 details this balance in which God acts as a deliverer and teacher, equipping us to actively engage with the hardships we face. David points this out with, “Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.” God doesn’t merely deliver us. He disciples us as sons and daughters to be like the Father, to stand and fight with faith, truth, and love. 

God created humanity, Adam and Eve, with a purpose: to spread his creative order across the earth. Man and woman would place the world under God’s loving dominion. Now changed and transformed in Christ, he trains us to face challenges both physical and spiritual. He teaches us endurance and faith, and his truth aligns our thinking with his. God is the defender, but he also calls us to intentionally pray and stand with him. We fight in love, not to harm, and our strength comes from him, not ourselves. 

In this, we fight for others, as well. Our godly peace allows us to think about people and their needs. God rescues us to join him in rescuing others. Through spiritual growth and faith, he empowers us to battle with love and courage to participate in his finished victory. 

Peace. 

Further Reading
15 Powerful Psalms of Protection to Pray Back to God
Powerful Prayers for Protection against Evil and Physical Harm

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