What We Declare

Safe Under His Wings: Finding Refuge in God

Bible Passage: Psalm 91

Summary: Psalm 91 expresses the profound assurance of God's protection and deliverance for those who trust in Him. The psalmist describes various dangers that believers may face but emphasizes that God is their ultimate refuge against all threats.

Application: This passage reassures Christians that they are never alone in their struggles and vulnerabilities. It encourages them to trust in God’s promises of protection and to turn to Him during times of fear and uncertainty. It can motivate believers to strengthen their faith and help them cope with anxiety and life's challenges.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that God is our refuge and fortress, urging believers to develop a deep trust in Him. It stresses that reliance on God brings peace and security in the face of life's storms and fears, illustrating the dynamic relationship between faith and divine protection.

How this passage could point to Christ: Psalm 91 points to the ultimate protection found in Christ, who embodies the safety and deliverance promised in the psalm. Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, offers believers the assurance of eternal safety in God's presence, making this psalm a powerful reflection of the gospel's invitation to rest in Him.

Big Idea: God is a refuge for all who trust in Him, providing safety and assurance in times of trouble, ultimately fulfilled through Jesus Christ.

Recommended Study: As you prepare to deliver this sermon, consider exploring the historical context of Psalm 91 and any text-critical issues related to its authorship. Look into different translations of key verses to highlight nuances in the text. Utilizing Logos, you might examine how the themes of trust and protection are reflected throughout other psalms and the New Testament, particularly looking at parallels in the teachings of Jesus.

1. Shadow of the Almighty

Psalm 91:1-4

Maybe you can illustrate how God’s protection is like a mother bird sheltering her chicks under her wings, as seen in verses 1-4. This imagery provides a comforting picture of God’s close, personal protection. Christ embodies this protective love, drawing parallels to His sacrificial care and constant presence in believers' lives. By trusting in God's refuge, Christians are reassured that they find true safety no matter the external circumstances, aligning with the key theme of God's comprehensive care.

2. Shielded from Fear

Psalm 91:5-8

Perhaps focus on the assurance of not fearing "the terror of night" or "the arrow that flies by day." This section portrays God as a shield against both visible and invisible dangers. Jesus reassures believers of their safety in Him against all fears and anxieties. Emphasize the call to trust God’s sovereignty over every situation, which is beautifully fulfilled through Christ’s promise of peace amid trials.

3. Secure in His Shelter

Psalm 91:9-13

You could discuss making God "your dwelling" and how this devotion secures divine protection, as verses 9-13 highlight. These promises are personified in Christ, who invites believers to abide in Him, just as His disciples found peace and guidance. Challenge Christians to see daily trust in Jesus as the key to experiencing God's safeguarding presence.

4. Salvation for the Faithful

Psalm 91:14-16

Highlight how God responds to those who "love" and "acknowledge" Him, culminating in promises of salvation and honor. These final verses reflect Christ’s deliverance for believers who love Him. Maybe you can invite your audience to deepen their love for God, knowing that such a relationship ensures His protection and a confident future in Him.

What is the primary assurance that Psalm 91 provides to believers regarding God's protection?

How does the imagery of a mother bird sheltering her chicks help explain God's protective nature?

In what practical ways can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's protection during challenging times?

Declaring the Promises: A Refuge in Psalm 91

Bible Passage: Psalm 91

Summary: Psalm 91 is a profound declaration of God's protection and faithfulness, emphasizing the importance of trusting in Him during times of trouble. It contrasts the fears of the world with the assurances given to those who dwell in God's presence.

Application: This sermon aims to encourage believers to declare the truth of God's promises over their lives and circumstances, fostering a deeper trust in His protection and faithfulness. By learning to speak God's truth, individuals can find strength during trials and contribute to building a community of faith and support.

Teaching: Through Psalm 91, believers are taught about the safety and refuge found in God, revealing that trusting in His promises can provide peace in the midst of chaos. It also highlights the power of words and declarations in shaping our mindset and faith response.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the light of the broader biblical narrative, Christ embodies the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises of protection and healing, showcasing God's desire to dwell with His people. Jesus, as our refuge and shelter, offers salvation and security that is complete and eternal.

Big Idea: We find peace and assurance in declaring the promises of God, trusting in His unwavering protection and presence.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon on Psalm 91, consider exploring the Hebrew text for nuances in key words such as 'dwelling' and 'refuge.' Investigating historical context and original audience expectations using Logos can provide depth. You might also want to look into cross-references that illustrate the recurring theme of God's protection throughout both the Old and New Testaments, enhancing your understanding of how these promises are realized in Christ.

1. Proclaiming Our Place of Peace

Psalm 91:1-4

Perhaps you can emphasize the invitation to dwell in God's presence as an intentional choice. Drawing from these verses, suggest that finding refuge under the Almighty's shadow requires active trust and commitment. Highlight how Christ, as Emmanuel, is God dwelling with us, thus facilitating our dwelling in Him. This sets a foundation for experiencing divine protection and peace, reinforcing the need to declare His promises over our lives continuously.

2. Professing Our Protection

Psalm 91:5-8

You could illustrate the contrast between fear and faith in these verses, as they remind us of God's shielding presence in times of danger. Encourage listeners to respond to life's threats with declarations of faith anchored in God's promises. Jesus, who calms storms, embodies this assurance, modeling how to confront fear with confident trust in God's covering.

3. Pledging Our Protection

Psalm 91:9-13

Perhaps use these verses to emphasize the condition of making the Lord our refuge, which activates His promises of deliverance. Encourage believers to make a conscious choice to declare their security in God daily. Christ, who overcame evil and offers us victory, exemplifies the triumph promised to those rooted in God's refuge.

4. Promising Our Protection

Psalm 91:14-16

Maybe focus on God's personal promises to those who love and acknowledge Him, as seen here. Highlight how love and acknowledgment of God's name are reciprocated with His deliverance and protection. This mutual relationship is perfected in Christ, who invites us into a deeper communion with God, assuring us of eternal salvation and peace.