The Benefits of Trusting God

Psalm 91:1-16

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. “ (Psalm 91:1)

This first verse states the theme of this Psalm, that those who abide in the Lord are protected by him from the evil around them, much like a baby bird huddling under its mother.  In this Psalm the Psalmist switches back and forth between telling what his decision is and what we could expect if we make that same decision.

“I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.  Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.  He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” Psalm 91:2-4)

When we put our trust in the Lord, and go to him, like the mother bird protecting  her babies, he leads us away from the traps the world sets for us, and protects us from the sicknesses and disasters that affect others.  The closer to him we become, the more sure we can be of his protection in every situation.  We learn to trust his word completely. 

 

“Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.  A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.  Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.” (Psalm 91:5-8)

Because you have put your trust in him you will not have to live in fear of home invasions by night or sneak attacks in the daytime.    You will not have to worry about a disease attacking while you are asleep or disasters during the day.  Even when others are dying around you or everyone you know  lose everything you will have nothing to fear.  You will see what happens to those who are wicked, but will not experience it yourself.  You have nothing to worry about. 

“Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.  For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.  They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.  Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.” (Psalm 91:9-13)

Because we have placed our trust in the same God as the Psalmist, we will be protected from all evil things.  While some may seem evil, Romans 8:28 tells us, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”  Ultimately, even those seemingly bad things will produce good results.  The plagues will not destroy us or our families because God will send his angels to protect us, even from stumbling over a rock and breaking a toe or turning and ankle.  Lions or snakes will pose no threat,

“Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.  He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.  With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.” (Psalm 91:14-16)

The psalmist finishes with God’s promise to those who love and obey him.   Because they have set their love on him, he will not only deliver them from the dangers around, but will cause them to be respected.   Because they have been interested enough to learn and remember his name, he will respond when they ask for help, delivering and honoring him, and giving him a long life, and ultimately, eternal salvation.