I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalms 91:2 NIV
The Context:
Psalm 91 is a popular psalm, and is quoted by so many people, particularly in this pandemic season. We quote the entire chapter, claiming the promises of protection and safety, as well as provision, healing, long life and salvation. Quite a lot of God's mind is revealed in the 16 verses of that chapter, but the control of the entire chapter starts in the very first verse: "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." It is not enough to be able to recite the entire chapter by heart; it is more important to be in a place where the words of the chapter can be true for you.
I can't claim the promises of a God I have not submitted to. I can't hold God's Word over Him when I have not submitted to the authority of His Word. This is not magic; it is actually logical. If I will enter another country legally and operate within its borders legally, I need the cover and the authorisation to do so. The same applies here. And I note that there is a choice to make: it says WHOEVER. It is open to all men, no matter what the past looks like. It is free to all men, and I can approach at any time, as long as I do it before physical death comes. Then, it is too late. And it matters WHERE you dwell: not behind high fences, but in the secret place of the Most High God. It is secret because only God can take you there. It is secret because not too many people take the time and effort to find it out. Bank account balances can't buy it; circle of influence can't secure it for you; political or spiritual connections can't guarantee it for you. Only God can, and He will do so for all who come to Him, seeking a place of rest, clear in their minds and hearts that no other option is open, and it is God or no one else. Am I at that point yet? Are you?
The Message:
That is the foundation of today's extract. Don't go claiming God's Word when you don't even know the God who spoke the words. It appears we are raising people to be full of words but not the Word. We encourage them to recite scriptures, which is not a bad thing, but we must take the extra step to introduce the God of the Word to the world. The world has to know what it is missing. When I open my mouth to speak, what is evident? Is my allegiance to God obvious from my words and actions? Am I all about the right words, or is the power and presence of God evident in my life? These are questions that only a daily walk with God can sort out. It won't happen by accident, but by deliberate decisions.
The choice of words also matter: refuge and fortress. These words will not make sense if there was no risk of a war or danger ahead. You don't need a refuge if there is no danger around. You don't need a fortress if there was no army coming against you. Trust is earned, and is the result of testing, trying and assurance. You get to trust someone you have proved to be true. All of these speak about who God is and what He can do. He does not promise that things will always be easy, but He does promise that if I allow Him, He will be with me and preserve my life through all that may come.
The Response:
So, does God know where I stand with Him? Is my heart committed to Him or are there other viable options to consider? Am I all talk and no action, full of words but no personal experience about the Word of God? The writer isn't known but it would appear that he knew who God is. I must not be content with just getting by or just living; I have to seek God out for who He is. It is not first about what I can get from Him, but about who He is and where He is taking me to. The daily experience is the secret to all that God is. Would I seek God out for myself? It is said that confession brings possession, but empty confession without the personal experience of the One who owns it all won't get you anything. With God, you have to add personal experience to confession, if you will get all of God. His time of favour is here.
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