Hobart Herd Devotionals – Psalms 91-92
Oh what a Psalm for today! This may be the strongest Psalm of protection that comes from knowing and loving the Lord that we can ever find. This Psalm answers the question, can I trust that God will protect me when I put my faith and trust in Him? Verses 1-2, starts out with a picture of being in the shelter and shadow of the Almighty God! I picture myself as being sheltered by God and protected in the shadow of His wings. If anything comes to cause me harm, I can know that God stands between it and when I am in His shadow, I am holding on to His power and strength for protection. This is much like a child who grabs on to a mother’s legs and hides behind her when intimidated or afraid; or like a child being held in the arms of their father knowing that Daddy will protect them.
What does God deliver us from? In verses 3-8 we have a list: the fowler’s snare (v. 3a), deadly pestilence (91:3b), fear and terror at night, attack by day, pestilence or plague (vv. 5-6), the wicked (vv. 7-8). As I look at these promises of protection and deliverance, I am comforted and strengthened. During the past few months we have all faced these struggles with fear, frustration, lack of sleep, and worry, and it is time that we renewed our faith and trust in a God who can deliver us from them all. We also know how He will protect and deliver us. In Psalms 91:4 “He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark”; and Psalms 91:11-12, 11 For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. 12 They will bear you up in their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone.(NAS) Praise the Lord for His faithfulness that is our shield and the refuge of His Personal Presence and power that is described by His talons and wings. The picture of treading on the lion and the serpent without harm is also comforting.(vs. 13)
How do I sign up for this protection plan and have the assurance of His faithful loving care? In verses 14-16, we are told that this plan is for those who love, trust and call on Him. What is the promise of God’s plan of protection, and why does He do this? The promise is backed by the love and faithfulness of the Lord as He has always kept His word. He has promised to deliver, rescue, and save us. He has promised to answer our prayers, be with us in our trouble, honor us with His presence and power, and satisfy us with long life as we faithfully trust in Him. How can God keep these promises? He is the Almighty Eternal God and will always use our lives for His eternal purpose as we put our faith and trust in Him. He has always been there and can always be there for us!
Father God, as we recognize Who You are, we begin to see how Your promises are something we can hold on to. Nothing can separate us and nothing can touch us without Your purpose and protection being upon us. Help me to trust in You when I am afraid because You care for me and are always there for me. Thank You for sheltering me under the shadow of Your wings. In Jesus Name, Amen! Pastor Rob
Psalms 92
It is soooo good to give thanks to the Lord and sing praises to His name!(vs. 1) There is nothing I love more than to just start singing and worshipping my God with joy and thanksgiving. One thing we can count on is that the sun comes in the east and goes down in the west and so is the lovingkindness and faithfulness of our God!(vs.2)
Verses 3-7 elaborate on God’s love and faithfulness; the greatness of the works of His hands in all He has done for me. His wonderful deep thoughts that show He loves and cares for me in ways that I can not begin to understand. He always has our eternal blessings in mind, and that is something that wicked sinful man can not understand or be a part of.
The word pictures of verses 8-11 remind me that my great God refreshes me, establishes me with an unshakeable foundation and lifts me up as I praise and declare His mighty name. Like a young bull I am given strength; like a victorious warrior I can look on and hear my enemies plans without fear because I have been anointed with the oil of His peace and blessing.
In verses 12-15, I give thanks to the Lord for His provision that allows me to grow strong and tall like a palm or cedar tree. I am planted in the house of the Lord so that He is always available to provide, nourish and care for me. Even when I grow old, I can trust that God can make me bear His fruit, because my strength comes from Him. I praise Him because He is my Rock, and I can build my life on His righteousness and strength. In a time when the world seems to be falling apart, I can praise and worship Him giving thanks for Who He is and what He has done for me. Praise the Lord I have a Rock to build and stand on when everything else is like sinking sand.
Father, remind me to start praising You when I become discouraged and depressed. I know that in bring my heart to worship You, my focus changes and I see the truths of Your love and faithfulness in my life. Thank You for lifting out of the pit and setting my feet on the solid Rock. In Jesus Name, Amen! Pastor Rob