Key Verse: “Because he has his heart set on me, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he knows my name. When he calls out to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will rescue him and give him honor. I will satisfy him with a long life and show him my salvation.” (Psalm 91:14-16 CSB)
Membership has its privileges. In a similar way, there are incredible blessings and promises that have been made by God to those who know Him through faith in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).
In Psalm 91, the Psalmist points to one of the many blessings that come from being found in Jesus. To the one whom God has called, He promises to cover and protect. Look again at the different ways the Psalmist describes God’s promised protection over us. “He himself will rescue you” (v.3). “He will cover you” and his “faithfulness will be a protective shield” (v.4). “No harm will come to you” (v.10). “I will deliver him; I will protect him” (v.13). “I will rescue him” (v.15), God says. God promises to be our strength and support in every situation. When we call out to Him in our distress, He will surely answer, because we belong to Him.
The promise of God’s protection however doesn’t mean that our lives will be free from pain or hardship. God’s covering over us is not a promise of ease and comfort. Far from it! Rather, God’s protection is about in His presence with us. “I will be with him in trouble” (v.14) God says. In every circumstance, whether good or bad, we are blessed knowing that God is by our side.
So how are we to respond then to this awesome promise? What does it look like to live according to the blessing of God’s protection that are ours in Christ Jesus? The Psalmist writes, “I will say concerning the Lord, who is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust” (v.2). It comes down to the choice to trust the Lord in whatever circumstances we find ourselves.
When the arrows begin to fly around us, when we are starting to feel overwhelmed by fear, faith says, ‘My God in whom I trust’. We are to ensure that our heart is set on him, and that we are calling out to Him in our trouble or distress. God promises that as we do, He will take care of us. His power is far greater than anything that can stand against us. We can rest securely as we make Him our dwelling place.
What does it look like for you today to make the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place? In what specific areas do you need to say, “My God in whom I trust.” Call to Him today in faith. He will surely answer.
Prayer: Father, I choose today to set my heart on you. You are my God in whom I trust. Help me today to rest in your presence with me. Thank you that I have nothing to fear today, because you are with me. Because I know your name, Jesus, when I call, you will surely answer! Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
