Faith for a Psalm 91 Dark Day. Faith for a Dark Day Psalm 91

Faith for aFaith for a

Psalm 91Psalm 91Dark DayDark Day

Faith for a Dark DayFaith for a Dark Day

Psalm 91


Psalm 91


Psalm 91


Psalm 91

The events of that day have The events of that day have been repeated many times.been repeated many times.


Psalm 91

Violence & brutality have been on this earth for millennia.


Psalm 91

Violence & brutality have been on this earth for millennia. “When they were in the field, Cain rose up against his

brother Abel and killed him” (Gn 4:8, ESV).


Psalm 91

Violence & brutality have been on this earth for millennia. “When they were in the field, Cain rose up against his

brother Abel and killed him” (Gn 4:8, ESV). The Assyrians, Attila the Hun, Hitler, Osama bin Laden.


Psalm 91

Where is God in all of this?Where is God in all of this?


Psalm 91

Answering that question would be an exercise in futility.


Psalm 91


None of us suffered personally because of 9/11.


Psalm 91


None of us suffered personally because of 9/11, but we have all experienced personal 9/11s.


Psalm 91

We aren’t the first people We aren’t the first people to suffer.to suffer.


Psalm 91

When Job lost everything, he questioned God for days on end.


Psalm 91


Jesus “cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” (Mt 27:46, ESV).


Psalm 91

When Job lost everything, he questioned God When Job lost everything, he questioned God for days on end.for days on end.

Jesus “cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Jesus “cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, my Eli, lema sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” (Mt 27:46, God, why have you forsaken me?’” (Mt 27:46, ESV).ESV).

The psalmist firmly puts trust in God.The psalmist firmly puts trust in God.


Psalm 91


Jesus “cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” (Mt 27:46, ESV).

The psalmist firmly puts trust in God. Tonight, we want to see how to have “Faith for a Dark Day.”


Psalm 91

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.


Psalm 91

“A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge—no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.”


Psalm 91

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation” (Ps 91, ESV).


Psalm 91

Names of GodNames of God


Psalm 91

God is “the Most High” (v 1).


Psalm 91

God is “the Most High” (v 1). The idea is that God made this world & God reigns over

this world.


Psalm 91


this world. “The Most High rules the kingdom of men” (Dan 4:32,

ESV).


Psalm 91



ESV). “I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude,

like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, ‘Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns” (Rv 19:6, ESV).


Psalm 91



ESV). “I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude,

like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, ‘Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns” (Rv 19:6, ESV).

What a blessed thought!


Psalm 91

God is also “the Almighty” (v 1).


Psalm 91

God is also “the Almighty” (v 1). The Heb is lit “El Shaddai.”


Psalm 91

God is also “the Almighty” (v 1). The Heb is lit “El Shaddai.” “El Shaddai” likely means

“God of the mountain.”


Psalm 91


“God of the mountain.” The idea is that God has great power & might.


Psalm 91



“Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God” (Ps 62:11, ESV).


Psalm 91



“Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God” (Ps 62:11, ESV).

“By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas; the one who by his strength established the mountains, being girded with might” (Ps 65:5-6, ESV).


Psalm 91

How great it is to know How great it is to know that our God is El Shaddai!that our God is El Shaddai!


Psalm 91

El Shaddai likely also points to God as the God of the patriarchs.


Psalm 91

El Shaddai likely also points to God as the God of the patriarchs. “I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God

Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make myself known to them” (Ex 6:3, ESV).


Psalm 91

El Shaddai likely also points to God as the God of the patriarchs. “I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God

Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make myself known to them” (Ex 6:3, ESV).

God established his power among the patriarchs.


Psalm 91

He is also referred to as the LORD [Yahweh] (v 2).


Psalm 91

He is also referred to as the LORD [Yahweh] (v 2). As Moses prepared to lead the Israelites out of Egypt,

he asked God what he should tell the Israelites God’s name was.


Psalm 91

He is also referred to as the LORD [Yahweh] (v 2). As Moses prepared to lead the Israelites out of Egypt,

he asked God what he should tell the Israelites God’s name was.

God says to Moses, “‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And he said, ‘Say this to the people of Israel, “I AM has sent me to you”’” (Ex 3:14, ESV).


Psalm 91


The idea in this name is that God is eternal.


Psalm 91


The idea in this name is that God is eternal. “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and

is and is to come!” (Rv 4:8, ESV).


Psalm 91


The idea in this name is that God is eternal. “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and

is and is to come!” (Rv 4:8, ESV). What a blessed thought to know that God is eternal!


Psalm 91

The psalmist also references God as “my God.”


Psalm 91

The psalmist also references God as “my God.” The term “God” here is a general term.


Psalm 91

The psalmist also references God as “my God.” The term “God” here is a general term. But, the psalmist refers to God as “my God.”


Psalm 91


This demonstrates an intimacy with God.


Psalm 91


This demonstrates an intimacy with God. Because God is my God, he will strengthen me in a dark

day.


Psalm 91

God’s ProtectionGod’s Protection


Psalm 91

God provides broad protection.


Psalm 91

God provides broad protection. He provides bodily protection.


Psalm 91

God provides broad protection. He provides bodily protection. “He will deliver you from

the snare of the fowler and from deadly pestilence” (v 3, ESV).


Psalm 91

God provides broad protection. He provides bodily protection. He provides protection from terror.


Psalm 91

God provides broad protection. He provides bodily protection. He provides protection from terror. “You will not fear

the terror of the night” (v 5, ESV).


Psalm 91

God provides broad protection. He provides bodily protection. He provides protection from terror. He provides protection from unseen dangers.


Psalm 91

God provides broad protection. He provides bodily protection. He provides protection from terror. He provides protection from unseen dangers. “You will

not fear the terror of the night” (v 5, ESV).


Psalm 91

God provides individual protection.


Psalm 91

God provides individual protection. “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your

right hand, but it will not come near you” (v 7, ESV).


Psalm 91

God provides individual protection. “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your

right hand, but it will not come near you” (v 7, ESV). God will not just protect so-and-so, but he will protect

me!


Psalm 91

God provides miraculous protection for his people.


Psalm 91

God provides miraculous protection for his people. “He will command his angels concerning you to guard

you in all your ways” (v 11, ESV).


Psalm 91


you in all your ways” (v 11, ESV). We typically think of this text in relation to Jesus.


Psalm 91


you in all your ways” (v 11, ESV). We typically think of this text in relation to Jesus. But, it was SATAN who applied this text to Jesus!


Psalm 91


you in all your ways” (v 11, ESV). We typically think of this text in relation to Jesus. But, it was SATAN who applied this text to Jesus!

“Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?” (Heb 1:14, ESV).


Psalm 91

This text says some things This text says some things contrary to common sense.contrary to common sense.


Psalm 91

The text says that no pestilence can kill us, but many faithful died in the Black Death.


Psalm 91


The text also says that if 10,000 fall on my right hand destruction will not come near me.


Psalm 91


The text also says that if 10,000 fall on my right hand destruction will not come near me. Does that mean that had I been at the WTC, I would not

have died?


Psalm 91


The text also says that if 10,000 fall on my right hand destruction will not come near me. Does that mean that had I been at the WTC, I would not

have died? My brethren who died that day might beg to differ.


Psalm 91

One sister at a NYC congregation lost her husband.


Psalm 91

One sister at a NYC congregation lost her husband.

A police sergeant at the Springfields Garden church who worked at the WTC was home sick on 9/11, but he lost his entire office.


Psalm 91

If this text is true, how If this text is true, how come some of our brethren come some of our brethren

suffered so intensely on suffered so intensely on 9/11?9/11?


Psalm 91

We need to think about how We need to think about how we should apply this psalm.we should apply this psalm.


Psalm 91

We must know how any biblical text applied to its first readers.


Psalm 91

We must know how any biblical text applied to its first readers. Women wearing veils in 1 Corinthians 11.


Psalm 91

We must know how any biblical text applied to its first readers. Women wearing veils in 1 Corinthians 11. So it is with this psalm.


Psalm 91

What can we learn from the What can we learn from the original setting of Ps 91 to original setting of Ps 91 to

apply it today?apply it today?


Psalm 91

We need to understand that this is poetry.


Psalm 91

We need to understand that this is poetry. Poetic license is employed.


Psalm 91

We need to understand that this is poetry. Poetic license is employed. “He will cover you with his pinions, and under his

wings you will find refuge” (v 4, ESV).


Psalm 91


wings you will find refuge” (v 4, ESV). Is God a bird that he would have pinions & wings?


Psalm 91


wings you will find refuge” (v 4, ESV). Is God a bird that he would have pinions & wings? No, but we understand the poetic license.


Psalm 91

We need to understand that this is poetry.This psalm also written with a specific

situation in mind.


Psalm 91


situation in mind. The situation from which this psalm comes has been

lost to history.


Psalm 91



lost to history. Many try to say Moses or David wrote this psalm.


Psalm 91




Maybe if Moses wrote it, this psalm applied specifically & literally to Joshua.


Psalm 91




Maybe if Moses wrote it, this psalm applied specifically & literally to Joshua.

Maybe if David wrote it, this psalm applied specifically & literally to Solomon.


Psalm 91



lost to history. Many try to say Moses or David wrote this psalm. It would then have a very narrow application.


Psalm 91



lost to history. Many try to say Moses or David wrote this psalm. It would then have a very narrow application.

Paul told Timothy to bring his cloak he left at Troas (2 Tm 4:13).


Psalm 91

We need to understand that this is poetry.This psalm also written with a specific situation

in mind. The situation from which this psalm comes has been lost

to history. Many try to say Moses or David wrote this psalm. It would then have a very narrow application.

Paul told Timothy to bring his cloak he left at Troas (2 Tm 4:13).

Just as we cannot fulfill that specific command, we shouldn’t expect these specific promises to apply to us.


Psalm 91

What should we do with What should we do with this passage then?this passage then?


Psalm 91

We need to learn the promise of divine protection.


Psalm 91

We need to learn the promise of divine protection. “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed” (2 Tm

4:18, ESV).


Psalm 91

We need to learn the promise of divine protection. “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed” (2 Tm

4:18, ESV). I’m confident that Lord will protect us today just as he

did Paul.


Psalm 91

But, divine protection will But, divine protection will not keep us from dying in not keep us from dying in

some calamity.some calamity.


Psalm 91

We know that from experience.


Psalm 91

We know that from experience.Scripture also reveals this truth.


Psalm 91


“You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head will perish” (Lk 20:17-18, ESV).


Psalm 91


“You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head will perish” (Lk 20:17-18, ESV). “You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death” (Lk 20:16, ESV).


Psalm 91


Lk 20:16-18. “We know that for those who love God all things work

together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Rm 8:28, ESV).


Psalm 91


Lk 20:16-18. Rm 8:28.

Does that mean everything in our lives is good?


Psalm 91


Lk 20:16-18. Rm 8:28.

Does that mean everything in our lives is good? “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall

tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?” (Rm 8:35, ESV).


Psalm 91


Lk 20:16-18. Rm 8:28.

Does that mean everything in our lives is good? “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall

tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?” (Rm 8:35, ESV).

Just because all things work together for good does not mean we won’t face tribulation or famine or sword!


Psalm 91

What should we learn from What should we learn from this text?this text?


Psalm 91

God protects us from disaster, for God allows disaster.


Psalm 91

God protects us from disaster, for God allows disaster. When Satan attacked Job, the devil had to ask God’s

permission.


Psalm 91


permission. “Behold, he is in your hand; only spare his life” (Job 2:6,

ESV).


Psalm 91



ESV). I do not know why God allows certain people to die &

others to live.


Psalm 91



ESV). I do not know why God allows certain people to die &

others to live. My confidence is that God remains on his throne!


Psalm 91


Psalm 91

My BODY could not have survived, but God would have miraculously saved ME.


Psalm 91


Regardless of what happens in this life, I shall not die!


Psalm 91


Regardless of what happens in this life, I shall not die! My BODY can die, but JUSTIN IMEL cannot die.


Psalm 91


Regardless of what happens in this life, I shall not die! My BODY can die, but JUSTIN IMEL cannot die. This is not just semantics.


Psalm 91

Our true existence is Our true existence is HOUSEDHOUSED in this flesh, but in this flesh, but our true existence is our true existence is NOTNOT

this flesh!this flesh!


Psalm 91

Regardless of what happens to our bodies, we shall never die.


Psalm 91

Regardless of what happens to our bodies, we shall never die. Do not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill

the soul” (Mt 10:28, ESV).


Psalm 91

Regardless of what happens to our bodies, we shall never die. Do not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill

the soul” (Mt 10:28, ESV). “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes

in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die” (Jn 11:25-26, ESV).


Psalm 91

We previously mentioned 2 Tm 4:18.


Psalm 91

We previously mentioned 2 Tm 4:18. Quite purposefully, I did not read the entire text.


Psalm 91

We previously mentioned 2 Tm 4:18. Quite purposefully, I did not read the entire text. “The

Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom” (ESV).


Psalm 91



Paul writes perhaps just a few days before his head is severed.


Psalm 91



Paul writes perhaps just a few days before his head is severed. God’s protection did not save Paul’s head.


Psalm 91



Paul writes perhaps just a few days before his head is severed. God’s protection did not save Paul’s head. But, God’s protection did save Paul.


Psalm 91

There is our hope!There is our hope!


Psalm 91


Psalm 91

The Department of The Department of Homeland Security can Homeland Security can protect our protect our bodiesbodies, but , but

God can protect our God can protect our soulssouls..


Psalm 91

Are you a child of God?Are you a child of God?


Psalm 91

DO YOU HAVE PROTECTION FOR DO YOU HAVE PROTECTION FOR YOUR SOUL?YOUR SOUL?

Are you a child of God?Are you a child of God?

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Faith for a Psalm 91 Dark Day. Faith for a Dark Day Psalm 91