In God We Trust

In God We Trust

Psalm 91

On July 30, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed into law a bill declaring “In God We Trust” to become the nation's official motto. Under the legislation, Congress further mandated that the phrase be printed, in capital letters, on every domination of U.S. paper currency. The motto first appeared on U.S. coins in 1864, during the Civil War, when religious sentiment was at a peak. At a Flag Day speech in 1954, President Eisenhower discussed why he wanted to include “under God” in our Pledge of Allegiance: “In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America’s heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country’s most powerful resource in peace and war.” There have been several attempts over the years to remove this motto, but all have failed. According to a 2003 joint poll by USA Today, CNN, and Gallup, 90% of Americans support the inscription "In God We Trust" on U.S. currency.

Our text this morning is a Psalm with no title, but the theme is, “In God we trust!” In fact, there is no means supplied to ascertain the writer, the circumstances, or the date of its composition with certainty. Jewish scholars historically apply the composition of an untitled psalm to the writer of the previous psalm, so in this case it would be Moses. Many of the expressions are consistent with those of both Moses in Deuteronomy and Psalm 90, so there is no real reason to doubt his authorship. The internal evidence seems to support it. It is one of the most comforting and cheerful psalms recorded and contrasts Psalm 90. In Psalm 90 God’s sovereignty is shown, in Psalm 91 His tenderness. Psalm 90 is about the brevity of man’s life, Psalm 91 about God’s eternal existence. There are indeed other contrasts between the two psalms adding to the evidence that the same writer, in this case Moses, wrote both psalms.

It seems that this psalm was written during the wilderness wanderings shortly after the plague of the fiery serpents, found in Numbers 21:6, when the children of Israel once again found His favor. Just as the “bronze serpent” was a messianic figure, so this psalm is teeming with messianic vision. We see Christ associated both with Israel and the Father. Satan used Psalm 91:11 during his temptation of Christ in Matthew 4:6, so even Satan understands this psalm’s messianic vision.

In this psalm we find hope, help and healing, regardless of the times, peril or situation. Moses reminds us of this truth: No matter who you are, where you are, or what circumstance you find yourself in, He is available, and His arms are open wide to deliver hope, help, stability and peace. He receives everyone who runs to Him.

TEXT

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. (2) I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!" (3) For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence. (4) He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. (5) You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day; (6) Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. (7) A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not approach you. (8) You will only look on with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. (9) For you have made the LORD, my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place. (10) No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent. (11) For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. (12) They will bear you up in their hands, that you do not strike your foot against a stone. (13) You will tread upon the lion and cobra, the young lion and the serpent you will trample down. (14) "Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.

(15) He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. (16) With a long life I will satisfy him and let him see My salvation." (Psalms 91:1-16)

Psalm 91 teaches all of us a crucial lesson for life—a lesson we need to live by whether we are at war or enjoying a period of peace; whether we are experiencing economic prosperity or whether we are struggling, waiting for economic recovery; whether our family life is terrific or whether you find your home torn in conflict – this is THE truth we need to remember...the truth we must live in to experience victory: “IN GOD WE TRUST!” We can trust in the institutions of man, in other gods, or rely on ourselves, but history is full of failed governments, empty religions, and powerful armies defeated by God. As believers, God is for us and when we place our trust in Him, we are promised at least 4 things: