Psalm 91
Abiding in the Shadow of the Almighty
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Intro:
In this study, we delve into Psalm 91, a comforting passage that depicts the protection and deliverance provided by God to those who trust in Him. As we explore this Psalm in the context of the New Covenant, we discover a more profound understanding of how it points towards our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Section 1: The Protection of the Most High (Verses 1-4)
"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.' 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."
Harmony
The concept of abiding in God's shadow echoes with John 15:4-5, where Jesus invites us to abide in Him, and promises that apart from Him, we can do nothing.
Talking Points:
The metaphor of God as a shelter, refuge, and fortress.
God as the deliverer from dangers.
The concept of abiding in God and finding refuge under His wings.
Questions:
What does it mean to dwell in the shelter of the Most High and abide in His shadow?
How does the metaphor of God as a fortress and refuge apply to our lives today?
How does understanding God's role as our deliverer influence our response to difficulties?
Section 2: Assurance of Deliverance (Verses 5-10)
"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."
Harmony
This assurance of deliverance aligns with Romans 8:37-39 where Paul emphasizes that in Christ, we are more than conquerors, and nothing can separate us from the love of God.
Talking Points:
The fearlessness that comes from trusting in God.
The assured protection for those who make the Lord their dwelling place.
The observation of the recompense of the wicked while remaining unscathed.
Questions:
How can we cultivate fearlessness and trust in God amid real-world dangers?
What does making the Lord your dwelling place look like in practical terms?
How does the promise of God's protection provide comfort in times of global crises?
Section 3: God's Promise of Salvation (Verses 11-16)
"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. 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."
Harmony
The promise of salvation echoes Jesus's promise in John 10:27-28, where He assures that His sheep listen to His voice, He knows them, and He gives them eternal life.
Talking Points:
God's protective care through angels.
The promise of victory over danger and enemies.
The assurance of God's deliverance, protection, and salvation to those who love Him.
Questions:
How do we reconcile the promise of angelic protection with the trials we experience?
What does victory over "the lion and the adder" symbolize in our spiritual lives?
How does knowing God's name relate to experiencing His deliverance and protection?
Summary:
Psalm 91:1-16 offers a comforting picture of God's protective care and deliverance for those who trust in Him. Through the New Covenant lens, this Psalm points to the fulfillment of these promises in Jesus Christ. As we abide in Christ (John 15:4-5), we can find true refuge and experience fearlessness (Romans 8:37-39).
Furthermore, Jesus assures us of eternal life, the ultimate form of protection and deliverance (John 10:27-28). Therefore, as followers of Christ, we can claim the promises of Psalm 91, knowing that our Savior has already achieved the ultimate victory, and we are safe in His care.