Sermon: "The Shelter of the Most High: Trusting in God’s Protection"
Introduction: Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we delve into one of the most powerful and encouraging psalms in all of Scripture—Psalm 91. This psalm is often referred to as the "Psalm of Protection," and for good reason. It speaks of God's divine protection, His faithfulness, and the refuge He offers to those who trust in Him.
In our world, filled with uncertainty, fear, and turmoil, we need the assurance of God's protection now more than ever. Psalm 91 provides that assurance in abundance. It is a psalm that calls us to a deeper level of trust in God, inviting us to dwell in the shelter of the Most High and rest in His care.
As we go through this psalm, we will explore its promises and how they apply to our lives today. We will see how God is our refuge, our fortress, and our deliverer—our ever-present help in times of trouble.
1. The Shelter of the Most High: A Place of Refuge and Security
Psalm 91 begins with a beautiful declaration of the safety and security that comes from dwelling in God's presence. The first verse says:
"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." (Psalm 91:1, NIV)
The opening words set the tone for the entire psalm: God is a place of refuge and security. The image of "dwelling" in the "shelter of the Most High" is an invitation to live in the constant presence of God. It’s not just about visiting Him in times of trouble, but about making His presence your permanent home.
To "dwell" means to reside, to settle, to make a place your permanent abode. When you dwell in the shelter of the Most High, you are choosing to live under the constant protection of God. It’s not about a temporary refuge but a place of continual protection.
The Shelter of the Most High speaks to the idea of God's protective presence. Just as a shelter provides protection from the elements, God’s presence shields us from the storms of life.
This verse also speaks of rest. When we dwell in God’s shelter, we rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Rest here symbolizes peace and security. It's the kind of rest that comes when we are safe, when we don’t need to worry because we are in the care of the One who is all-powerful and all-knowing.
When life gets chaotic, this is where we are called to go—to God’s shelter. It’s a place of safety where our souls can find peace. This is not a passive rest, but one that comes from trusting in God's protection and provision.
2. The Names of God: Emphasizing His Power and Protection
As the psalm continues, it draws our attention to the different names and titles of God, each emphasizing a different aspect of His power and ability to protect. In verse 2, the psalmist declares:
"I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'" (Psalm 91:2, NIV)
Here, we see three key titles for God: Refuge, Fortress, and God.
Refuge: A refuge is a place of safety and protection from danger or distress. God is our refuge, a place where we can go to escape from the dangers that threaten our lives. When we are overwhelmed by life’s challenges, we can run to God as our refuge, knowing He will keep us safe.
Fortress: A fortress is a stronghold, a fortified place that is impenetrable and secure. It provides not only shelter but also defense. God is our fortress—He is the stronghold that keeps us safe from the attacks of the enemy. No weapon formed against us will prosper because we are protected by the Almighty Fortress.
God: This is the simple, yet profound title that acknowledges God's identity as the Creator and Sustainer of all things. When we call God our God, we acknowledge that He is the One who holds all things in His hands and who is faithful to His people.
The psalmist declares that God is the object of trust. Trusting in God means acknowledging that He is both able and willing to protect us. This trust is not based on our circumstances but on the character of God. We can trust Him because He is our refuge, our fortress, and our God.
3. Deliverance from Danger: The Promises of Protection
In the following verses, Psalm 91 gives a series of promises about God’s protection. These promises are powerful and offer comfort to every believer. Let’s look at verses 3–6:
"Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday." (Psalm 91:3–6, NIV)
Here, the psalmist lists several types of danger from which God will deliver us:
The fowler’s snare: This represents the traps and schemes of the enemy. Just as a fowler traps birds, the enemy seeks to entangle us in sin, temptation, and evil. But God promises to deliver us from these traps. He will protect us from the snares of the enemy that seek to lead us astray.
Deadly pestilence: This can refer to sickness, disease, or any form of danger that threatens our physical well-being. In the time of the psalmist, pestilence often referred to plagues, but in our time, it could be a metaphor for the many threats to our health, including pandemics and natural disasters. God promises to protect us from these dangers.
Terror of the night: This represents the fear and anxiety that often keep us up at night. Nighttime can bring fear, whether from external dangers or internal worries. God promises to protect us from the terror that grips our hearts, offering peace in the midst of fear.
The arrow that flies by day: This could refer to physical attacks or harmful circumstances that come our way during the day. It could be the harm that comes from other people or the pressures of life that come unexpectedly. God promises to guard us from such dangers.
Pestilence that stalks in the darkness: This is another reference to hidden or unseen dangers that might threaten us, like viruses, accidents, or other forms of harm that we can’t foresee. Even in the darkness, when we can't see the danger, God is our protector.
These verses remind us that God’s protection is comprehensive—it covers all aspects of our lives: physical, emotional, and spiritual. No matter the kind of danger, God is able to deliver us.
4. The Angels of Protection: Divine Help and Supernatural Defense
In verses 11–12, we read:
"For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." (Psalm 91:11-12, NIV)
This is an extraordinary promise: God will send His angels to protect us. Angels are spiritual beings who are sent by God to assist and protect His people. They are not just symbols of comfort, but real agents of God’s care, working on our behalf.
We see that angels are charged with guarding us in "all our ways"—this means that no area of our lives is left unprotected. Whether we are walking through life’s mundane tasks or facing significant challenges, God’s angels are there to watch over us.
Verse 12 gives a beautiful image of divine help: the angels will "lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." This suggests not only physical protection but also spiritual assistance, helping us to navigate life without stumbling or falling into sin.
5. The Ultimate Promise: Deliverance, Honor, and Long Life
Finally, Psalm 91 ends with an incredible promise in verses 14–16:
"Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life, I will satisfy him and show him my salvation." (Psalm 91:14–16, NIV)
God promises to deliver, protect, honor, and satisfy those who love Him and trust in Him. This is a promise of divine favor for those who walk in faith. Loving God is the key to experiencing His protection and care. When we acknowledge His name and call upon Him, He promises to answer and deliver us.
The promise of long life is not just about living a long time but living a full life, a life of peace, purpose, and God’s presence.
Conclusion:
Psalm 91 is a powerful reminder of God’s love and faithfulness. He is our refuge, our fortress, our deliverer, and our protector. No matter the dangers that we face, God promises to be with us, to guard us, and to deliver us. As we trust in Him, we can rest in the assurance that He will watch over us and keep us safe.
Let us take comfort in the promises of Psalm 91. Let us dwell in the shelter of the Most High, trusting in His protection and His faithfulness. And when we face trials and dangers, let us remember that we have a God who loves us and who is always with us, ready to deliver us and satisfy us with His salvation.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the promises of Psalm 91. We thank You for being our refuge and fortress, for protecting us from danger, and for being with us in times of trouble. Help us to trust in Your protection and to dwell in Your presence. May we always call upon You in times of need, knowing that You are faithful to answer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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