Sacred Songs - Psalm 91

Series: Sacred Songs

Speaker: Guest Speaker Ronnie Matheny

Scriptures: Psalm 91 | Matthew 6:33

What We Believe:

• Psalm 91 is not just a comforting passage; it’s a position. It has been an anchor for the Matheny family, reminding them to trust God for their protection and safety. The Mathenys have personally experienced God’s protection from dangers such as lions, leopards, and venomous snakes.

• The first 8 verses serve as a prelude, describing the benefits of dwelling in His presence. For example:

  • “He is my refuge and my fortress.” (v. 2)

  • “He will deliver you...from the deadly pestilence.” (v. 3b)

  • “His faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” (v. 4b)

• The word “because,” which appears once in verse 9 and twice in verse 14, signals things that the psalmist has done and we should do too. The passage contains three responsibilities that are our part, and 21 blessings that are God’s part — things He bestows on all who dwell in the safety of God’s presence.

  • Our Part

    • “Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place…” (Ps. 91:9a)

  • God’s Part

    • “No evil shall be allowed to befall you.” (v. 10a)

    • “No plague come near your tent.” (v. 10b)

    • Angels “to guard you in all your ways.” (v. 11b)

    • “You will tread on the lion and the adder.” (v. 13a)

    • “The young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.” (v. 13b)

• Our Part

  • “Because he holds fast to me in love…” (Ps. 91:14a)

• God’s Part

  • “I will deliver him.” (v. 14a)

• Our Part

  • “...Because he knows my name.” (Ps. 91:14b)

• God’s Part

  • “When he calls to me, I will answer him.” (v. 15a)

  • “I will be with him in trouble.” (v. 15b)

  • “I will rescue him and honor him.” (v. 15b)

  • “With long life I will satisfy him.” (v. 16a)

  • “Show him my salvation.” (v. 16b)

• The repeated use of "because" highlights our small part in our relationship with God, while the overwhelming number of promises that follow demonstrate what an incredible deal God offers those who dwell in His presence.

How to Obey:

• It is important to balance the bad news in life with the good news of the Gospel. In the midst of trials like droughts, earthquakes, and viruses, we can take heart that God has a plan of redemption and is sovereign over everything that happens in the world.

• Remember that the place where God is present is the place where He covers and protects you. When you cannot control the situation, you can rest in His sovereignty.

How to Walk Intimately With God:

• Stay in the shelter of the Lord’s presence. When you go into your prayer closet, leave all distractions, especially the digital ones, at the door. Mr. Matheny’s parents were a powerful example of remaining in God’s presence. He recalls how they would be on their faces before the Lord in the morning when he left for school, and how they would still be there in prayer when he returned home.

• Seek first the Kingdom of God, and He will take care of the rest (Matt 6:33). Like a child who desires candy more than his father’s embrace, sometimes we miss out on the blessing of knowing Him because we just crave the gifts He provides.

• We can get to know God more intimately by meditating on His powerful names given in Scripture. For example, He is:

  • Yahweh: I AM

  • Elohim: The Creator

  • El Shaddai: God Almighty

  • Adonai: My Lord/My Master

  • Yahweh-Jireh: The Lord Will Provide