Psalm 91:13 – You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot. ESV
I was reading a commentary on the Psalm 91 passage a few years ago, and came across an explanation for this verse that truly resonated with my heart.
> The lion is those situations that are huge and powerful, with the potential to cause a great deal of pain and hurt.
> The adder is the more quiet situations that sneak into life and poison everything.
> The young lion is those situations that have the potential to become huge and painful, but are currently just a lot of big talk with a little bite.
> In the bible, the word “serpent” is usually used to mean an imaginary or fantastical creature. Because of this, the serpent is all those situations that are not real. They are only in the mind and the heart. They don’t actually exist.
When looked at in context, the verse seems to remind us that because of faith in the Lord Father, his children can overcome all the large and small, sneaky and imagined situations and struggles in their lives.
I was in the place of having imaginary struggles today. I was over analyzing every little detail of my life. Devotions, team time, my personal training, my God time, etc. I realized I was trying to use the ladder of legalism to convince my mind and body to respond in a way I thought was needed. As I came across this verse, I was reminded I do not need to worry about being perfect, and getting everything done that thought was needed. I can trust God to mold me as needed, as long as I listen to his voice, and obey what he tells me.
Listen to the meat and throw out the bones. Search scripture for yourself.
