Psalm 91
Sunday, 13 December 2020
“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;…He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him...” -Psalm 91:14-15
Love first originated from the Almighty God. We read in 1John 4:19 “We love because he first loved us.” The same God expects a reciprocal love from those whom He loved though He left none unloved. Let us ponder on the key verses in this context.
“The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.” (Nahum1:7). God is good and does good—to those who have faith in Him, He offers protection and help. He is a refuge, a fortress, a stronghold against the troubles of this world. When we say that God is our protection, that doesn’t mean we have no trouble in life. Many are the hardships in this fallen world. And, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.” (Psalm 34:19).
The Bible reveals that God’s people are living in a world which is under the sway of the wicked one (1 John 5:19), and that this temporary physical life is a training ground for a wonderful eternity in God’s presence. Just as Jesus resisted the tests of Satan, we must resist him and endure all kinds of trials and challenges with the help of God and His Word. Thankfully, God sustains us; He will deliver us from all kinds of afflictions. We must ask for deliverance, at the same time develop patience and learn lessons that our trials bring. The Psalmist says, “A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you.” (Psalm 91:7). These are wonderful words of comfort which speak of God as the Protector of those who trust in Him.
In the light of eternity, there will be sufferings in this life, but we must endure them, trusting Him who can deliver us. If God permits suffering, we must set our minds to walk through it as these sufferings are nothing when compared to the blessings of eternity. 2 Cor.4:17 says: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” For a believer, such sufferings are not "evil" but "good"- for in adversity, God seems even nearer to us and we are drawn nearer to Him. The ultimate "evil" is to be separated from God, and a life of comfort and prosperity may make us turn from God. The ultimate "good" in life is to have God and fellowship with Him and suffering enables us to experience His presence in a deeper way.
Psalm 91:14 says, “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him…” Its like being bound to God. Of course, if I am fastened to God, nothing can affect me. If I am knit to Him as closely as this Psalm speaks of, it teaches me that out of His fullness my emptiness can be filled, and with His strength my weakness will be made strong. See how Peter tried to walk on the water and when he saw the boisterous wind, his heart sank but yet, with the faith that overcame the fear, he put out his hand and grasped Christ’s hand who rescued him from sinking! That’s the victory! Let us also trust in the Lord completely as we call upon Him!
Gratitude to God: The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (2 Timothy 4:18)
コメント