What does Psalm 91:6 mean?

Here the psalmist continues using dramatic imagery to describe human fears. Darkness—especially in an era without electricity or easy access to lights—was a more dangerous condition than it is today. Disease was more difficult to predict or cure, and water and food could more easily be contaminated. The "destruction that wastes at noonday" may refer to the scorching effects of the sun and heat. Despite those dangers, however, those who trust in God have reasons for confidence.

Scripture does not promise invincibility (Psalm 91:11–12; Matthew 4:5–7), but it does remind us that a sovereign God is in control. He offers not only His divine presence, but things like wisdom, human medicine, and other mundane means of assistance. God protected His people during their wilderness wanderings by giving them health laws. The book of Leviticus contains many distinctions between what the Israelites could eat and what they were forbidden to eat (Leviticus 11).

Likewise, believers today can trust the Lord and need not fear deadly disease; they should also avail themselves of medical help and practice healthy habits. Although the apostle Paul exercised strong faith in the Lord, he was accompanied on his missionary journeys by Luke, who was the beloved physician (Colossians 4:14).