Psalm 91 Part Two
Last week I introduced Psalm 91 by encouraging you from the first verse to spend quality time with God, forcing yourself, if necessary, to stay in His presence; that’s the caveat, the condition for the next verses.
I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalms 91:2 ESV
The psalmist undoubtedly experienced God in his devotional time and, therefore, he could utter that declaration with confidence. Notice the possessive pronouns: my refuge, my fortress, my God; God has become personal and trustworthy to him.
The next four verses are promises you can count on in your times of trouble. Let’s reflect on how God reveals Himself; open your Bible:
* He promises to deliver and to rescue you from any deceptions of Satan (vs. 3). The ‘snare of the fowler’ is a picture of a bird-catcher who secretly traps his prey in a corner. Paul also uses that image in 2 Tim. 2:26; the devil tries to capture you with his lies but God will rescue you from that trap.
* The ‘deadly pestilence’ included here comes from the root word for ‘word’. Yes, sickness and disease are deadly but words can also be devastating (Prov. 18:21), however, here’s the caveat again, He will rescue you … if you make time for Him.
* Another bird-metaphor is used in verse four but this time it’s God Who will cover with his pinions. These are the outer edges of the wings whose purpose is to restrain, bind, and hold you down. His promise is to draw you in and hold you tightly so you are safe … if you make time for Him.
* The Hebrew phrase ‘under His wings’ gives the picture of being cornered, hidden, and guarded. In contrast, when Satan corners you with destruction, God offers deliverance so you can boldly proclaim, “You are my refuge, my fortress, my God” … if you make time for Him.
* God offers to be a shield, guarding us and quenching the fiery darts of the enemy (Eph. 6:16), whether large or small (buckler), He stands guard … if, I think you know.
* The writer declares you can live with no fear (vs. 5), daytime or nighttime, from inside or outside when you dwell and abide in El Shaddai: the All-powerful God.
* Finally, verses 7 & 8 give a scenario of devastation and ruin happening all around you but the fear with which Satan wants to trap you will not even approach because you’ve been filled with God. He allows His chosen, you and me, to observe the punishment of the wicked but we only watch; Jesus took our punishment on the Cross.
The figurative language of Psalm 91 infuses us with encouragement and hope that no matter what’s happening in our life, the Most High God is there to guard and protect you. Whether you live in Syria, North Korea, or America, He will save, rescue, and deliver you. His name, Jesus, means just that.
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