Psalm 91 preaches about Sovereign Security

The Golden Gate Bridge at the entrance of San Francisco Bay is one of the largest and most spectacular suspension bridges in the world. It spans 8,981 feet through midair. When this world famous bridge was being constructed, several workmen lost their lives. They fell from very dangerous positions 200 feet above the water. The work was always behind schedule. That is, until someone had the idea of building a safety net directly under the construction area. Then, with such security in place, any workman who fell would not tumble to his death but would be caught by the net.

A giant, sturdy net was made of stout cord and swung under the construction work. It was the first time in the history of any major construction project that such a net was used. The cost of the net was $100,000. It was a staggering figure in those post-Depression years. The effect was immediate and noticeable. The work proceeded at a much faster rate because the workmen knew if they did slip the net would catch them and their lives would be spared.

This was the same effect that God’s sovereign security had on the psalmist in Psalm 91. The security was not beneath him, it was above him. God was his security. God would protect him from any harm. He would rest under the shadow of the Almighty. God was his refuge and fortress.

In this day of economic distress and worry, every believer can move forward with great confidence and efficiency. God continuously protects his people. In Psalm 91 Christians are encouraged to trust God knowing that nothing can harm a child of God unless he permits it. There are many references to the future messianic kingdom in this psalm. Not only is your present certain but your future is assured. Psalm 91:1-16 contains three reasons for you to trust God in your life.

• The first reason is that your faith is in a powerful God (verses 1-2). The historical background of this psalm of trust is uncertain. The background may be that of Israel’s army proceeding into battle. Verse 1 reads, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; my God in him I will trust.’” Dangers were mounting but the psalmist declared his trust in God. He focused upon God’s character. He used three names for God in rapid succession. Most High (El Elyon) emphasizes God’s strength and sovereignty. Almighty (El Shaddai) pictures God as the active, self-existent one. God (Elohim) is the strong one, the mighty leader, the supreme deity. The believer “who dwells in the secret place of the Most High” will find God’s sure, strong protection. God will guard every aspect of a believer’s life.

• The second reason is that your faith is in a protecting God (verses 3-13).

“Surely he shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler…” (verse 3). The picture is that of a deadly hunter who stalks his prey. The Lord will also deliver “from the deadly pestilence” (verse 3). The harm he faced was like a life taking plague.

In verse 4, like an eagle protecting its young, God will cover believers with his feathers and wings (verse 4). The psalmist described God’s faithfulness in protecting him from all harm like a shield and buckler (verse 4). He pictured the Lord as a protecting warrior in the day of battle.

In verses 5-6 such safeguarding brings a settled peace. He will not fear “the terror of the night” when he would be most vulnerable to the enemy’s surprise attack. Nor will he dread the “arrow that flies by day” aimed for his destruction and death. Neither will he fear the “pestilence that stalks in the darkness.” Nor will he be terrified of the “plague” picturing everything that threatens him. The reason “he will not fear” is because of God’s powerful protection.

How will God accomplish this protection? This protection will come, in part, through angels.

“For he shall give his angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways” (verse 11). The angels “will bear you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone” (verse 12). Nothing will come into your life unless God allows it.

Standing in this place of safety, “You will tread upon the lion and the cobra” (verse 12). This is figurative language.

“The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot” (verse 12). These dangerous beasts represented his foes and the many dangers brought upon him by his enemies.

• The third reason is fellowship with a personal God (verses 14-16). In these verses a sudden shift in speaker takes place. It is no longer the psalmist speaking but God himself. Notice the tremendous fellowship between the Lord and the one who loves him.

“Because he loves me… I will rescue him; I will protect him, because he acknowledges my name” (verse 14). God continues, “He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble” (verse 15).

How much does God love and care for you? Enough to send his only son Jesus to die for you. God has already done the greater thing. He sent his son to pay the price for your sins. Jesus died a horrific, awful death to pay the price for our sins. He will take care of you today.

A trapeze artist said, “The net is to keep us from falling and breaking our necks. If there was no net, we would be so nervous that we’d be more likely to miss and fall. But because there is a net, we dare to make two turns and once I made three turns thanks to the net.”

We have security in God. When we are sure in his arms, we dare to attempt big things for God. We dare to be holy. We dare to be obedient. We know the holy arms of God will hold us up if we fall.

Ethan Hansen is pastor of Faith Bible Fellowship in Big Lake. He can be reached at ethanchansen@gci.net.