Pastor Lance Augsburger explores Psalm 91, focusing on the believer's safety found not in the absence of trouble but in faith in God's presence. Through vivid imagery and practical applications, he emphasizes the trustworthiness, protection, and relational care of God, urging believers to take refuge in His shadow and find peace amidst life's uncertainties.
Scripture Text(s)
Psalm 91
Main Points or Ideas
God Delivers Those Who Take Refuge in Him (Verses 1–8)
- God is depicted as a sheltering presence, likened to a mighty bird protecting its young under its wings.
- His truth and faithfulness serve as a shield for believers, allowing them to live without fear even in the face of danger, disease, or destruction.
- Deliverance doesn’t mean the absence of trials but God's sovereign control over every event in our lives.
God Protects Those Who Abide With Him (Verses 9–13)
- Abiding in God provides safety and protection from harm, underscoring the believer’s trust in His control.
- Angels are mentioned as God’s instruments of care, illustrating the unseen realm where His protection operates.
- Jesus modeled ultimate trust in God during His temptation, demonstrating how believers should rely on God’s promises rather than testing Him.
God Promises Salvation to Those Who Love Him (Verses 14–16)
- The psalm transitions to God speaking directly, offering rich promises of protection, deliverance, and satisfaction in a relationship with Him.
- The relational aspect of God’s care is emphasized; He delivers and exalts those who trust Him.
- These promises are ultimately fulfilled in Christ and extend to all believers, assuring them of eternal safety in Him.
Conclusion
Safety in life’s challenges is not found in avoiding difficulties but in resting under the shadow of El Shaddai. Believers are invited to meditate on God’s promises, find refuge in His presence, and trust in His unchanging faithfulness.
