The world we live in is
a dangerous place. As witnessed just last week, violence can strike at a moment’s
notice, even at a simple music concert. Sickness lurks at the door for each of
us; we are one check-up away from a scary diagnosis. Even driving a car can
kill you. During the Vietnam War, more Americans died each year in car
accidents, than died in combat for the duration of the war. That’s crazy. It’s
more dangerous to drive to work then it was to fight in the Vietnam War.
Everyday life is scary. Yet, over and over scripture tells us to not be afraid.
Psalm 91 explains why not.
Psalm 91:1-2
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Psalm 90 spoke of
dwelling in God. Psalm 91 tells us that if we dwell in His shelter, then we
live in His shadow. What happens to those who live in His shadow?
Psalm 91:3-10
For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my refuge— no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.
For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my refuge— no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.
Wow! That’s some
strong language and it makes some strong promises. It gets better.
Psalm 91:11-13
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
If we dwell in God,
He commands His angels to guard us in all ways. God is the commander of a great
army. But the real battle being fought in our lives is spiritual in nature. Ephesians
6:12 is clear, “Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the
rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness,
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.” It is not death or dismemberment
from an accident that we should be concerned with. It is the battle for our
souls and concern for the place of our eternity, that must be where our fear is
directed. Psalm 91 ends with God speaking to us.
Psalm 91:14-16
“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
Our salvation is
secure if we abide in Christ. As Psalm 91 describes a dangerous world, it
should remind us that we must have our eternal security locked down as we
traverse this life. Jesus is that answer.
I also believe that
God does watch over us in a physical way and that He does have angels protect
us. Yet, it is likely some of those who perished last week in Las Vegas were
Christians. What happened? Simple; God took them home to be with Him.
What about those
injured? The answer to that is also simple. It is found in Romans 8:28:
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
God is causing and
allowing things we do not understand, to work together for good for His people.
But it is for His purpose, not ours. This life is not about us, but it is about
Him. Christians until you believe God’s Word, you will not find the complete
peace He wants you to have in this life. This is called faith. What is faith?
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
The promises of Psalm
91 are real. If you dwell in the shelter of the Most High, then you are safe.
He will show you His salvation.
He is calling you
this very day. The door to His dwelling place is open. It is the only safe
place to be.
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