When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God promises not just to answer our calls for help, but to be with us in the midst of trouble. This means His presence is the initial rescue, a source of strength and comfort before the actual deliverance arrives. His honor comes as a result of us knowing and calling upon Him, a profound affirmation of our relationship.
When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse comes at the climax of Psalm 91, where God Himself speaks directly to affirm the promises made to the one who trusts Him. Following assurances of protection from various dangers and supernatural threats, God declares His direct engagement with the believer, promising to hear their prayers, be present in their afflictions, and ultimately deliver and honor them. This divine declaration solidifies the psalm's theme of unwavering safety and intimate relationship for those who make God their refuge.
Do you ever feel like your prayers go unanswered? This verse reveals that God's response isn't just a passive hearing, but an active engagement.
The promise in this verse isn't a one-way command for us to pray, but a beautiful picture of divine initiative. It starts with "He shall call upon me," highlighting our part, but immediately pivots to God's assurance: "I will answer him." This isn't just about getting a 'yes' to a request, but about God engaging with us in the very act of calling.
God Initiates the Conversation
More Than Just Answering
Trouble is inevitable, but this psalm assures us that God's presence in it is not accidental – it has a divine purpose.
The promise "I will be with him in trouble" is more than just comfort; it's a declaration of God's active involvement and purpose.
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God's Immanence in Affliction
The Goal: Rescue and Honor
Understand the original words
ṣārāh · Hebrew Noun
Distress, affliction, or a place of confinement; it refers to situations that cause pain, pressure, or hardship in one's life.
ḥālaṣ · Hebrew Verb
To snatch away or pull out of danger; implies a forceful or decisive act of salvation that brings someone into safety.
kāḇaḏ · Hebrew Verb
To bestow value, reputation, or glory upon someone; in scripture, it is often the act of God exalting those who have remained faithful to Him.
This verse echoes the promise of God's answer to prayer, directly stating, 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.'
Romans 8:28This passage speaks to God's presence and purpose in trouble, assuring believers that 'in all things God works for good with those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.'
1 Corinthians 10:13It mirrors the promise of rescue and endurance by stating that 'God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.'
John 14:18This verse highlights the promise of God's presence, particularly in times of distress, with Jesus saying, 'I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.'
2 Timothy 2:12This passage connects suffering with future glory, stating, 'if we endure, we will also reign with him.'
pulpitPsalms 91:15: "He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him."
Verse 15. - He shall call upon me, and I will answer him. This is equivalent to, "Whenever he calls upon me, I will answer him," or "I will grant all his prayers." I will be with him in trouble (comp. Psalm 46:1). I will deliver him (see above, ver. 14). And honour him; or, "bring him to honour" (compare "I will set him on high," in the preceding verse).
calvinPsalms 91:13-16: "Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet."
- Thou shalt walk over the lion and asp, the young lion and dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14. Because he hath trusted in me, I will deliver him; because he hath known my name, I will set him on high. 15. He shall call upon me, and I shall answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and glorify him. 16. With length of days will I satisfy him, and…
God promises not just to answer our calls for help, but to be with us in the midst of trouble. This means His presence is the initial rescue, a source of strength and comfort before the actual deliverance arrives. His honor comes as a result of us knowing and calling upon Him, a profound affirmation of our relationship.
This verse comes at the climax of Psalm 91, where God Himself speaks directly to affirm the promises made to the one who trusts Him. Following assurances of protection from various dangers and supernatural threats, God declares His direct engagement with the believer, promising to hear their prayers, be present in their afflictions, and ultimately deliver and honor them. This divine declaration solidifies the psalm's theme of unwavering safety and intimate relationship for those who make God their refuge.
This verse comes at the climax of Psalm 91, where God Himself speaks directly to affirm the promises made to the one who trusts Him. Following assurances of protection from various dangers and supernatural threats, God declares His direct engagement with the believer, promising to hear their prayers, be present in their afflictions, and ultimately deliver and honor them. This divine declaration solidifies the psalm's theme of unwavering safety and intimate relationship for those who make God their refuge.
"When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him." — God promises not just to answer our calls for help, but to be with us in the midst of trouble. This means His presence is the initial rescue, a source of strength and comfort before the actual deli…
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Last reviewed October 2026