The Psalms have attracted the attention of Christians over the ages for a variety of reasons. They flow out of the full spectrum of human emotions and experiences and have therefore resonated with Christians as they journey in the valleys and on the mountaintops of the life of following Jesus. I want to dip into this vast reservoir in order to find some solid footing for the tumultuous and uncertain time we find ourselves in by God’s grace. So, pick up your Bible and turn to Psalm 91 with me and follow along.
1. Psalm 91 is a psalm about God’s protection. Can you think of a time when you were aware of God’s protective presence, either in the moment or in retrospect?
2. The psalm begins with a third-person statement of truth and follows that with a personal declaration by the psalmist. So, verse 2 seems to be a response to the truth the psalmist declared in verse 1. What is the connection between knowledge and assent? How should the knowledge of God’s protective care affect our everyday life?
3. God’s protection is promised in the following verses (vv. 3-13). Notice that most of this language is describing what God will do in the future. This follows the personal testimony from verse 2, making a connection between our acknowledgement of God’s protection and the actual realization of it. What does the psalmist not need to fear? How are these similar fears that we may have? How are they different?
4. Note the different words the psalmist uses to describe God’s protection. How do these words help to give us a comprehensive picture of God’s protective role in our lives? How do the metaphors associated with them demonstrate God’s protective care?
5. The devil actually quotes verses 11-12 in his temptation of Jesus (cf. Matt. 4:5-7). How does the devil twist these verses in the temptation? What do we learn from Jesus’ response to his twisting of the Scriptures? [Interestingly, the devil seems to be ignorant of verse 13, which alludes to the promise given in Genesis 3:15 about his ultimate demise!]
6. The psalm concludes with several first-person statements in verses 14-16. Who is speaking in these verses? Why does the psalm shift to this new speaker? How do these statements enhance the promises of the psalm?
7. This psalm, like all psalms (see Luke 24:44), are ultimately about Jesus. Jesus is both speaking these words and he is the one they were spoken about. How is God’s protective care manifested in Jesus’ life and how does Jesus exercise his protective care of those who trust in him?
Please pray with me: Almighty Father, you are a shelter and fortress to those who seek refuge in you. Under your protective shadow, there is deliverance and safety. You spread your wings around all your children and keep them safe from the threats they may fear. Thank you for the many ways in which you protect us. Help us, Lord, to remember that you are present with us in our time of trouble. Help us to seek refuge in your Son and not to be consumed by fears, anxiety, and worry. We know that you will care for us because of your great faithfulness. Amen.