Topic: God’s Protection (Psalm 91)

There is a sense that Psalm 91 stands alone from all other passages of the Bible. It contains the only passage of the Bible quoted by the devil (Matthew 4:6). Scripture teaches us that God protects those who love him and will help them in their trouble. The devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness by taking this Psalm with the theme of God’s protection and he misused it.

Psalm 91:11-12,

“For He will give His angels charge concerning you,

To guard you in all your ways.

They will bear you up in their hands,

That you do not strike your foot against a stone.”

The devil took this passage to entice Jesus to jump off the pinnacle. Come on Jesus jump, you will be covered by God’s protection. The devil used or rather misused this text as though it provides unconditional security in any and every circumstance. It is the original prosperity gospel, which is really no gospel at all. Jesus' own experience shows that even faithful ones suffer, have emotional anguish and physical pain. It is often in our suffering that we turn to God. God gives His protection of His faithful believers.

Psalm 91:1, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”

As believers our faith must be grounded in who God is. He is the Most High. He is Almighty. There is no greater protection we can imagine, but God’s own shadow. Those who dwell in his shelter are protected by him. There is no real security except for those who dwell steadfastly in the Lord.

Psalm 91 gives some wonderful word pictures to communicate God’s protection.

- A mother hen covering her chicks under her wings.

- No need to fear the terrors of the night.

- While others fall in battle, God will sustain you.

Our protection is a result of our showing love to God. He promises deliverance, protection, honor, His presence, long life and salvation. To whom? The faithful who love him. Having trouble does not mean you are substandard as a Christian. When the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he ignored Psalm 91:15, “I will be with him in trouble.” The devil tried to make this Psalm into a prosperity gospel text.

Psalm 91 guarantees that ultimately, in whatever circumstance, the faithful are secure in God’s love. God’s protection is through faith in Jesus Christ.

See you Sunday!

Dr. Scott Kallem