Psalm 91 is right up there with Psalm 23 in popularity and most read. This Psalm exposes life for what it is and who God really is. People say use this Psalm in their daily prayers, for protection, comfort, etc. Professional athletes, such as Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens, displayed this verse on prime time NFL games. Although there is debate if this was sincerity or publicity, nonetheless, millions of viewers saw it and perhaps looked it up.
Many of these commitments are found near the end but I wanted to highlight a couple things before we get into them.
First we notice that God doesn’t want us to just “hold fast to him”, because how we hold on to Him matters! He wants it to be in love, not duty. He wants a relationship with us. He wants all of us, not just our words. He’s revealed Himself throughout Scripture by His Spirit and by His Son Jesus Christ. He’s a God who hears our prayers, so we can call to Him and He’ll listen us! Just pause for a moment and pondering the truth that a holy God hears us – sinners like you and me. Not only that, He answers us! Remember, He loved us first (1 John 4:19)!
Secondly, check out God’s radical commitment to his children. To deliver us, protect us, answer us, to be with us in trouble, to rescue us and honor us, to satisfy us with long life (eternal life) and to show us His salvation through Jesus Christ.
Ok, let’s dive right into the commitments with a bit of extra commentary.
- He will be your 911 service. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. -1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)
- He will be your tower of safety. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy. -Psalm 61:2-3 (NKJV)
- He will talk back to you. “If human minds can conceive of a system that follows us and communicates with us, then why is it so difficult to believe that the God who created everything can design a way to stay in touch with His creation?” -Paul Cunningham
- He will be your companion. In times of peace and in times of trouble or “tight places”
- He will “part your Red Sea”. And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. -Exodus 14:13a (NKJV). I’s not up to us how God delivers us…our part is to just trust Him!
- He will give you meaning. “…I have come to realize that the greatest trap in our life is not success, popularity or power, but self-rejection… When we have come to believe in the voices that call us worthless and unlovable, then success, popularity and power are easily perceived as attractive solutions. The real trap, however, is self-rejection.” -Henry Nouwen (The Life of the Beloved) I can definitely relate to this one! I tell that story and more in Heartstone.
- He will make life worth living. “Without Your life I know there is no life. For I was dead in sin and You gave life to me! Without Your life I’d surely rather die! Lord Jesus, live Your life through me! You are life to me!” -Dennis Jernigan. Are you satisfied with Jesus?
- He will be your Savior. God reaches into our lives. “I am the Lord..I will free you from being slaves..and will redeem you with an outstretched arm.: (Exodus 6:6). “It was another shocking reminder that grace does not depend on what we have done for God but rather on what God has done for us.” -Phillip Yancey
I don’t know where you are in the journey called life or what your circumstances are, but may Psalm 91 be a reminder to you of God’s nearness and power. May Jesus never be a theoretical refuge, but an actual refuge that uplifts you with faith, hope, and love.
What is your favorite Psalm?
