Take refuge in the LORD

Psalm 91:1–2 NKJV

1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”

As believers where should we place our confidence?

This psalm gives us the only answer

The one who confides in the LORD for refuge receives his almighty protection.

first a statement of fact, then a personal response to it.

I. Those who trust in the LORD are safe

a )God's transcendence and his immanence

God is Most high (transcendent holiness)- Yet we can dwell in his shelter

God is almighty (omnipotent)- Yet we can abide under his shadow

b) God protects those who trust

Cause and effect.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most high. v1a Cause - If you trust in the LORD for protection

Shall abide under the shadow of the almighty v1b Effect - You will abide under his protection

permanence not just once every so often

Isaiah 40:28-31

Application-

Look away from your own power and strength and look to the LORD, then you will be safe

This is how we become Christians. We look to Christ for safety

This is where we stay as Christians. We depend on the Lord for everything.

Rock of ages cleft for me

If you are not a Christian then this is exactly what you are not doing.

II. I will trust in the LORD for safety

a)Personal response.

What does verse 1 look like? We see it in v.2

I will say- of the LORD. First person and God’s covenant name.

The LORD is a God who enters into covenant with his people. YHWH is his covenant name- Personal response

YHWH was the name given to Moses- reminds God’s people- he does not change, he is self sufficient he is the ever present God who is with is people.

b)Who God is to his people

-He is my refuge and fortress- doubling up of nouns adds emphasis.

Sins penalty

The world the flesh and the devil

-my God- He is everything

-I will trust in him- imperfect verb. Keep trusting. Not simply a past action. But something that will keep happening in the future.

Trust him whatever happens.

Application-

Is this personal trust something you have?

Very practical- lean on God’s omnipotence

Trust in his sovereignty and his goodness

Conclusion

Where are we to place our trust?

As Christian’s because of what Christ has done on our behalf, we can place our confidence in the God who is transcendent and yet immanent. Majestic in holiness and omnipotent.

Not only can we place our confidence in the LORD, but we must.

It is those who look to him for protection that receive it.