We live in a dangerous world. In this Sunday message from February 12, 2023, Pastor Linda Reese taught from Psalm 91, one of the Bible’s great chapters on God’s protection.

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91:1 (KJV)

Under His wings

“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust” (91:4). Picture a mother hen spreading her wings when a storm comes, and the chicks running underneath. For little ones afraid of the dark, Pastor Linda suggested a bedtime prayer asking God to cover them with His blanket.

Not afraid

“Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day” (91:5). Fear often does more damage than the thing we fear. It steals our rest and fills us with anxiety. Turn everything over to God before you go to sleep. After 9/11 people asked where God was. He was there. The only person in this psalm with real reason to fear is the one who doesn’t know Him.

A close walk with God doesn’t remove every unpleasant thing. It does guarantee He’ll carry you through.

Angels in charge

“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways” (91:11). That’s why Pastor Linda closes every service by asking God to put angels around every vehicle. But don’t use the promise as an excuse for foolish choices. Satan quoted this very psalm to tempt Jesus to jump from the temple (Matthew 4:6).

The condition: love and call

“Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him” (91:14). No superhero or big kid on the playground can protect us from everything. The promise is for people who love God, cling to Him and know Him personally, not just know about Him. “He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble” (91:15). So pray in the morning, at noon, at night, and whenever you wake.

Pastor Linda once made two lists: the hard things God had allowed in her life and the good things He’d done. The good outweighed the bad. The dangers of life may be many, but His protection is greater.

Is something keeping you up at night? Send a prayer request. We’ll pray with you.