Promised Refuge

Intro

- Illustration- afraid of the dark- would hide under the covers- run to my parent’s room

o As we grow older, our problems get bigger. Instead of being afraid of the dark we are worried about a mortgage that seems impossible to pay, a stressed marriage, an unexpected diagnosis, trying to raise kids (or at least trying to keep them alive), a global pandemic (with all its fears and frustrations)

o When these difficulties, problems, and fears come into our lives, our natural response is to retreat somewhere that feels safe. We seek refuge from whatever it is that is pressing against us.

o But perhaps our greatest problem is that we often seek refuge in things that promise protection or escape, but never actually deliver.

- As Christians, we have a refuge and a fortress that will never fail us.

- When we place our faith and trust in Jesus, he not only rescues us from our sin, but also promises to guard and protect us as we walk with him in this life.

- Read Psalm 91

Protection from on high

A. He will deliver us

1. From the bird trap

2. From the destructive plague

3. He delivered us from our sin

4. In what area of your live do you need a deliverer? Are you looking to God?

B. He will faithfully protect us

1. His compassionate care- under his wings

a. Hens in Palau- always caring for their chicks- crossing the road, in the rain

2. We can rest secure in an uncertain world

a. He is our buckler (rampart)- a fortified wall

b. He is our shield- wherever we go- Josh 1:9

C. This is not a promise of immunity

1. Don’t leave here thinking… “I’m invincible!”

2. God rescues us out of trouble, he does not promise to keep us from it

3. He does not promise security FROM all these threats and problems, he promises security IN these circumstances

4. Even Satan tried to use this promise to manipulate Jesus- we must be careful how we apply these truths

a. He will send his angles to guard us (v.11-12)

Landon- why did the angels let the dogs get me!?

We have confidence in our protector

A. He is worthy of our trust (v.2)

1. This is the psalmist personal testimony

2. He is saying, you can put your trust in God, I have experienced it!

3. As a teacher…"we cannot communicate true knowledge unless we deliver it not merely with the lips, but as something which God has revealed to our own hearts"

B. We can live without fear (v.5, 13)

1. Because we know the promises of our God are true, we can have boldness to live as he has called us to live

2. Following God’s call- not living in fear- missions

Covid- so many living in fear

C. He will reward good and punish evil (v.8)

1. Sometimes it’s difficult to keep doing the right thing when we see others around us living for themselves and “getting away with it”

2. We can rest assured that he will reward those who follow him

a. Hebrews 11:6- “he rewards those that seek him”

3. So what is the reward?

a. We know it’s not immunity from harm. It’s not a promise of excellent health or more money in your bank account… so what is it?

The promises of our faithful protector

A. Rescue

1. From sin and death

2. From the troubles of this life

B. Security

1. Our fortress

2. Proverbs 28:10-11 “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected., 11 The wealth of the rich is his fortified city; in his imagination it is like a high wall.

C. Answered prayer

1. John 15:7- If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you.

2. This goes back to the idea of dwelling with God- v.1

D. Companionship

1. He will be with us in time of trouble

2. He will never leave us or forsake us

3. People will fail us, God won’t

E. Honor (vindication)

F. Personal fulfillment

1. Only Jesus offers true satisfaction

2. We all chase fulfillment and satisfaction, but few find it. The only lasting satisfaction is found in a relationship with God

G. Enjoyment of salvation

1. The promise of eternal life

The conditions of the promises

A. Love God

1. CSB- “because his heart is set on me”

Illustration- kid with his heart set on getting ice cream. Indication of desiring something with all that we have- not being distracted by other things- holding fast

2. Deut. 6:5- “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”

B. Know God

1. 2 Peter 3:18- “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.”

2. How can we love and have confidence in a God that we do not know?

C. Talk to God

1. This has been a theme throughout our study in the Psalms- calling out to God

2. This is a recognition of our dependence on him

All of these go back to the word in v. 1, dwell. we must dwell in his presence.

this is living a life of communion with him, being at home with our God- remember, we run to where we feel comfortable

If we don’t love God, know him, and talk to him, then we are very likely going to turn to other things when trouble comes

So What?

- What do you run to as your refuge in time of trouble?

- Do you have confidence in God’s protection?

- Are you resting in his promises?

- Are you fulfilling the conditions?

o Love God, know him, talk to him