By Eric Taylor
Pastor, Cedar Hill Baptist Church, Cedar Hill
Focal Passage: Psalm 91:1-6, 9-16
While many have heard of Psalm 91, it has become a favorite of many since the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic, as the psalmist touts the protective cover of the Lord who guards his people from the “destructive plague” (v. 3) and “the plague that stalks in the darkness, or the pestilence that ravages at noon” (v. 6). However, those words are a tiny part of a psalm intended to bring comfort and strength in the face of fearful forces that come against God’s people. They are a reminder that nothing can harm the child of God unless the sovereign Lord permits.
And while some modern-day charlatans have misused this text to preach a false security among the brethren, by declaring these verses, and then, blowing or spitting away COVID-19, these words, should be looked at as some of the greatest words in all the Bible concerning the care and concern God has for His people. So, in our lesson for this week, we discover that the ground of our security in times of tribulation and fear is found in the good character of our God.
First, we see that God is our defender. Throughout these verses we see language that defines our God as one who protects His children. When we “dwell” with God we are in His possession. The name “Most High” (Elyon), is God’s name that speaks of His ownership over all things. Also, the psalmist establishes that the faithful follower of Christ is under the “shadow of the Almighty,” (Shaddai).
The Lord Jesus used similar language in Matthew 23:37, when He said, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem . . . How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” In addition, it is the LORD (Yahweh) who is our “refuge and strength” signifying God’s Promise to His people since the days of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The great comfort of our time is that the Most High, Almighty, LORD God is our defender; the One in whom we can trust! He is the One who delivers us from every trap, from every danger, and from everything that terrorizes His people. What a joy it is to know the “truth” of God is our “protective shield.” God truly is, our Hiding Place!
Second, God is our deliverer, as He delivers us in this life and the next. However, for some there is a question. “If this is the case, why does it seem like many believers are not always delivered from the troubles of life?” Well, even among the people of Israel, there were times they could have asked the same question. John Phillips said it best: “God does not keep us from terror; He keeps us in the terror.” In other words, God has not promised us immunity from problems, pain, or persecution.
However, He has promised to go with us through the “fire, flood, and fear.” This is why we sing, “Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come.” Remember, the Lord Jesus is with us always, “even unto the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). So, we “set” our love on the Lord, knowing that when we do, He will bless us in this life, and in the end, we will experience fully His salvation.