Under God's Wings

Under God’s Wings

Psalms 91

Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty”

In the face of the “fleeting and frequently challenging nature of human existence,” one fraught with difficulties, trials, temptations, war, pestilence, and injustice; the Psalmist says to seek refuge under God’s wings and one can be assured of protection and rest! To read the promise that no harm will overtake you because God will command His angels to protect you has brought much joy and comfort to many afflicted hearts! For some Christians however this psalm is not a source of comfort but of despair. For those Christians who put their faith in God and seek refuge under His wings and yet continue to experience unspeakable turmoil and tribulation, the promise of God’s protection at best provokes confusion and at worst is seen as cruel to raise one’s hope only to later dash one’s expectations. Did not God promise to “do good” and “give the desires of their hearts” to those who love Him” (Romans 8:28; Psalms 37:4))? Surely, He who is indivisibly present and knows our every thought (Psalms 139) would be more than willing to help His own, especially when they ask for relief from suffering in His name (John 14:13)? Since every word of the Bible was inspired by the Spirit of truth (2 Peter 1:21; John 16:13) then it cannot be the promise but our interpretation that is flawed! The following sermon is going to examine Psalms 91 so that we might rejoice and find comfort in the truth that God offers divine protection to any Christian who seeks shelter under His wings!

The Solemn Promise (1-2)

In the first two verses with great resolve and passion the Psalmist outlines his central theme that he will always find shelter in the shadow of the Most High! Not only does one find “food for one’s soul and spiritual refreshment” under God’s wings but unspeakable peace that comes from knowing that despite sickness, evil and tribulations lurking around the corner in the care of the Father one’s position is “unassailable, for He is our fortress and our refuge.” For the Psalmist those who stay under God’s wings are safe, no evil or harm can touch them for His power of protection has no boundaries and as such can be trusted to deflect any seen or unseen attack. Though many seek this inner sanctuary few Christians will find it because the promise of protection is not dependent on occasionally kneeling but continually residing and obeying His voice. To have true fellowship with God means not just coming to Him when life difficulties threaten to crush one’s soul but in trust to gladly submit to God’s rule over one’s every word, thought and deed! Those who choose to not treat God like an occasional resort but a constant abiding-place will find perpetual solace for under His wings in the cleft of the Rock of Ages one finds a place of continual peace and security!

Protection from Many Dangers (3-8)

Now that the Psalmist has given the thematic guideline of his life, to abide and trust in God, in the next six verses he explains some of the dangers that God protects us from. One of our worst fears is that of an attack from an unknown assailant. Since letting our light shine exposes the evil deeds of this world (John 3:20-21) we can expect many people to hate us, set traps and shoot devastating arrows of destruction our way (John 3:20-21, 15:18-19). Whom amongst us has not been at minimum excluded from a group or being outright persecuted for righteousness sake (Matthew 5:11)? As Christians we are constantly in danger of attacks from, he who roars around like a lion seeking to devour us (1 Peter 5:8). Is it not the “terror or the night” that is most frightening? The darts of temptation of the wicked one often arrive unannounced and are deadly for they entice the believer to give into the wicked desires present within their very hearts (James 1:14-15)! And then there are the continual attacks on our temporal bodies that make feeling joy a real challenge! The Psalmist does not fear the arrows of affliction whether spiritual or temporal for he has faith that under the wings of his covenant God, who has full authority over everything, he will not be allowed to be harmed. This does not mean that those who trust God never “feel” the arrows of affliction but merely that God will give them the strength to endure until their inevitable, eternal deliverance!

Invitation to be Under God’s Wings (9-10)

It is at this point in the passage that the Psalmist stops to ask us if we in faith are willing to make God our refuge and dwelling place? While it is tempting to scream out “YES of course I want to abide under God’s wings,” the Psalmist is asking us to reflect on what living this statement would truly entail! In response to the Devil’s temptations that Jesus would turn stones to bread, throw Himself down so that the angels might lift Him up, or serve other gods (Matthew 4:1-11), Jesus made it clear that protection under God’s wings requires one to make Him the Lord of one’s life! This of course can only be accomplished by seeking first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33)! To do this one must become like Apostle Paul and be willing to give back to Christ the right to forge and choose one’s own path in life (1 Corinthians 10:23). Are you willing to give up control of an unknown future to the known God of Israel in every situation that you face in exchange for the strength to endure the fiery darts of persecution, sickness and those of Satan and his demons? Given the price to stay under the wings of God is strict obedience and submission to His will are you willing to traverse to such a safe, but demanding place?