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A guaranteed refuge 1

A guaranteed refuge 1
Psalm 91 [short series].

Psalm 91 is a commonly known Psalm that often raises doubts (e.g. Does it really apply to our present realities?), gets misinterpreted (e.g. If you trust God, no trouble will come to you) or gets undermined (e.g. It’s all a metaphor).

But the message in the Psalm is such a profound encouragement to keep trusting in God because of the kind of refuge that only He can provide.

As we will see in a 4 part study, the Psalm shows us why God is the only refuge you can trust (v2), and this is because:
  • His refuge is guaranteed
    • By His greatness: He can. v1, 11-12
    • By His promise: He will. v4, 14-16
  • His refuge is complete
    • Through this life. v3-6, 13
    • Into the next life. v7-10, 16
His Refuge is guaranteed by His Greatness!
Psalm 91:1, 11-12
He can always rescue! The Psalm makes this point in how it points to the sovereignty of God in v1, 11-12.

v1 - He is the Almighty
v11 - who has angels under His command
v12 - and the angels actually obey Him.

It’s one thing to have authority - anyone can assume command, but it’s another thing for that authority to be recognised - which proves authenticity.

As a Tech Manager, one of the funny things about my job is that sometimes I catch my colleagues doing an impression of me, which often goes "So here's what we're goin'o do this sprint...". When someone does the impression, they all laugh. But when I say it, they listen - well, I'm their manager. Similarly, the Psalm shows us the authenticity of the authority of God - His Greatness. He is the Almighty, the Commander-in-Chief of angels. Everything is under His command. That's who your Refuge is!

The other imagery used in v1 is “the Shadow of the Almighty.”

Just as the shadow of an object can protect from the scorching sun, the shadow of the Almighty protects from troubles. But we know that the shadow of objects is limited - sometimes too small depending on the size of the object, and sometimes it shifts. It is the same with other forms of refuge. But God’s refuge is not like shifting shadows, nor is it small. So how big is it? It’s the Shadow of the Almighty. It’s the guaranteed protection of a Great God.

Reflect & Pray
Who do you run to when you are in trouble? Do you ever wonder, can God really see this? Can He really resolve this? The Psalmist's answer to that is this: His refuge is guaranteed by His Greatness. Yes, He can always rescue!
Thank You, God Almighty, for Your refuge. Please help me always trust that You can rescue and protect me.

Next time, we’ll see how the Psalm shows us that God’s refuge is guaranteed by His Promise. →

God bless you exceedingly,
Sam.
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