Last Wednesday, we began a study of one of the most reassuring Psalms to the believer: Psalm 91. The beauty of Psalm 91 lies in its promise of protection for the believer. Our first look at this psalm revealed that the promise of this psalm does not appear to be universal – but a promise reserved for those who are dwellers and abiders in Christ. It is the dwelling, abiding believer who knows their God and who truly puts their trust in the power of the Lord. The next part of this psalm focuses on how the Lord protects His people.

One enemy of humanity that all are familiar with is fear. Jesus told us that as time moves toward the end of days, fear will increase.

"There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.” /// Luke 21:25-26 (NIV)

The faith that causes someone to be a part of a church will not be sufficient for times like these. A faith borne from dwelling in the secret place is needed. Dwelling in the secret place will create a faith that you that you are always in the secret place – a place of protection not accessible to the enemy. Just because we are believers, that doesn’t mean we will never face difficulty or trials. The Word teaches us that those incidences are controlled by God and not by some maniacal devil or one of his tools. Remember the trials of Job. The enemy couldn’t arbitrarily attack Job. He had to get permission from God first.

Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. /// Job 1:8-10 (NIV)

Abiding under the shadow of the Almighty ensures us that when we do encounter attacks and trials, the duration and the severity are in the hand of God and not the enemy! Many people struggle with the fear of trouble. They are afraid of the traps they cannot see, or the murderer that stalks in the darkness, or the terrorist who attacks the innocent, or the disease that is affecting other people. You can get completely paralyzed by fear if you do not have a strong enough belief in the sovereign power of God over His children. Where does this belief come from?

Let’s finish tonight with some military references. You remember how we have been studying the armor of God? We spoke of an armor given to the saints so they can overcome in the battles of life. This is the same armor worn by the Lord Jesus Himself as He lived on the earth. We fight – we do not hide in our homes in fear. This is not our calling nor our spirit. Just as Jesus was invincible to anything other than the will of God, we are invincible in His armor! The psalm tells us that truth shall be our shield and buckler. This literally is saying that God’s unwavering firmness/faithfulness will be a very large shield for us and will cover us or surround us protecting us from harm. These armaments are intended to protect in battle not hiding from battle. Verse 15 says, “I will be with him IN trouble”. Remember what we learned about fighting from the high ground?

Every army in the days of the Bible wanted the high ground. It was a definite advantage over their enemies. As believers, we sit with Christ in heavenly places, far above our enemies. Verse 14 states that those who love the Lord will be “set on high” by God. This is a promise that your enemies will have to fight uphill against you and that you hold the place of advantage. We are called to be soldiers. We are called to fight. We are equipped for whatever battle the enemy brings against us. We are also aware that our God determines how hard things are and how long battles last. You don’t have to disappear from society to be protected. You are equipped for your calling and protected as you fulfill it!

Today’s Scriptures:

•    Psalm 91:1-16
•    Luke 21:25-26 (NIV)
•    Job 1:8-10 (NIV)

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