Our televisions are often flooded with images of wars being fought around the globe. Scenes of devastation, bombs exploding, and pictures of people running for refuge flash across our screens.

They are constant reminders of how terrible war really is.

I have been in prayer for our men and women in the armed forces who are putting their lives on the line for freedom.

I once read a book entitled “Psalm 91: The Ultimate Shield for Enduring Protection.” A story coming out of World War I indicates that the 91st Infantry Brigade of the U.S. Expeditionary Army was preparing to enter combat in Europe.

Most of the men were “green soldiers” who had never seen combat.

Its commander, a devout Christian, called an assembly of his men where he gave each a little card on which was printed the 91st Psalm.

They agreed to recite the Soldiers’ Psalm daily. The 91st Brigade was engaged in three of the bloodiest battles of WWI: Chateau Thierry, Belle Wood, and the Argonne.

While other American units similarly engaged had up to 90% casualties, the 91st Brigade did not suffer a single casualty!

What is so special about Psalm 91 that it would give such comfort and protection to a troop of “green soldiers?”

Read it for yourself: “He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.

“Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under

His wings shall you trust: His truth shall be your shield and buckler.

“You shall not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flies by day; nor for the pestilence that walks in darkness; nor for the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand shall fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you.

Only with your eyes shall you behold and see the reward of the wicked.

“Because you have made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, your habitation; there shall no evil befall you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling.

For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. They shall bear you up in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone. You shall tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shall you trample under feet.

“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him My salvation.” (Psalm 91)

If God could protect the 91st Brigade during World War I because they trusted in His Word, He can also protect our troops around the world.

I know that prayer works from personal experience.

And I believe if you will pray and stand on God’s Word, He can give you divine protection as well!

Rev. Doug Johnson is the senior pastor at Lexington First Assembly of God in Lexington, Kentucky.