Sermon Central
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Remember To Live In The Shelter Of The Most High Series
Contributed by Dean Courtier on Aug 20, 2015 (message contributor)
Summary: It’s fair to say that this life is filled with its share of problems. Some are small and some are huge and when we are in the midst of a difficult circumstance its good to be able to remember God’s word and draw strength from it.
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Remember to live in the Shelter of the Most High Psalm 91:1-16
Do you have favourite verses or chapters in the Bible?
Each of us probably has a specific verse or chapter that we remember.
It could be a specific promise of God, or perhaps a verse of encouragement, or a verse that speaks of God’s love and mercy towards you, or one of the many powerful prayers recorded in the Word of God.
It’s fair to say that this life is filled with its share of problems.
Some are small and some are huge and when we are in the midst of a difficult circumstance its good to be able to remember God’s word and draw strength from it.
We all need a place to go to when we’re stressed or sad, tired or lonely, fearful or tempted, disappointed or discouraged - a place where we can unload our burdens and get some relief.
This morning I want us to consider Psalm 91, a Psalm that has been and continues to be a source of strength, hope, promise and encouragement.
Psalm 91 is an expression of the child of God’s confidence in divine protection and deliverance.
When we feel insecure and inadequate,
we need a refuge - a shelter.
We need a retreat.
Prayer can transport us to that place!
In the Bible there are conditional and unconditional promises of God.
Most promises that begin with the word “if” are conditional.
We can claim the promises of Psalm 91 if we meet the requirements that is If we make the Lord our refuge, If we make the Most High our shelter, then God promises to do something amazing - He will rescue us and save us.
Let’s start with Verse 1: Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty Psalm 91:1
Notice the requirements of Psalm 91:1
“Those who live” - not visits, not professes,
not wishes, not rejects, Lives. Stays. Remains.
John 15:4 says “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.”
In Hebrew the word translated as Shelter is סָתַר (say’-ther) literally means “a hiding place - to cover, to hide covertly or secretly”.
In fact in Psalm 32:7 it is translated as “hiding place” - “you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.”
In this place of shelter place there is protection and provision for those who believe in God and trust Him in every situation and circumstance.
God’s miracles of protection and His power to keep the people of God in the face of great difficulties are seen time and again throughout the Bible and many know that power and protection today.
The people who see you in your car,
or in the office, or in the supermarket,
or in the restaurant, or in Costa Coffee,
probably do not realize that you are actually dwelling and abiding in Christ.
They just see another person going about the business of the day.
They do not know that you are a child of the king and that your life is hid with Christ in God.
They have no understanding that you are a member of the real royal family.
Even if you tell most of them,
they will either think that you are mad,
or they will simply not understand.
They cannot see the shadow of the Almighty on your life either.
But the spiritual world can. Both the angels and the demons know the truth about you, and they marvel at who you are in Christ.
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Verse 2: This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
He is my God, and I trust Him.
This is an act of your will.
You have a choice whether you say it or not.
You also have a choice as to whether you do it or not.
I know that there have been times in my life when really I have been lying.
I have said that I trust in the Lord,
but hidden away to everybody,
except the Lord and myself,
is fear and uncertainty.
Sometimes my words have been cheap.
I have said that I’m not worried, but really I am. That is the time when I need to go back to the Lord and see what His promises and assurances are.
Remember Proverbs 18:10 reminds us The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to Him and are safe.”
or the words of Proverbs 29:25 “Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.”
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He is my God, and I trust Him
