Heart Songs: Week Four | Safe and Sound (Psalm 91)Chikamu

He Is My Dwelling

Charles Wesley, one of the greatest hymn writers of all time, penned the words to the acclaimed hymn "Jesus, Lover of My Soul." The lyrics "All my trust on Thee is stayed, all my help from Thee I bring; cover my defenseless head with the shadow of Thy wings" are just a taste of a hymn that proclaims a steadfast faith amidst a sea of turmoil and sings of grace and freedom found only in the safety of the Lord.

A literal storm is the story behind the creation of this great hymn. In the fall of 1736, Charles Wesley was returning to England after serving as Governor Oglethorpe's secretary in the new colony of Georgia. Wesley was on the way home when his ship suddenly hit a fierce storm which threatened to sink the ship along with its passengers. Frightened by the raging skies, a tiny bird flew into Wesley's window and found solace in the folds of his coat. By the grace of God, the ship was spared, and Wesley went on to write the famed hymn.

As Christians it is unrealistic to expect to escape from the storms of life. We may feel helpless living in a world where terrorist attacks, uncontrolled riots, and mysterious illnesses dominate the news. However, we can choose to follow the psalmist's advice to take refuge under God's wing and trust in Him for our safety.

Scholars believe Psalms 90 to 106 were compiled during Israel's exile in Babylon. These comforting verses reminded the Israelites of God's past faithfulness. They also encouraged the people to trust God in the present for the future. 

Psalm 91 is known as a psalm of trust. This psalm reminds us that God has always desired to dwell with His people. Long before He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell with and be in us (see John 14:16-17), God invited His people to dwell with Him. Today you'll learn about the security of those who know He is my dwelling. 

Read the verses below and answer the following questions:

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust" (Psalm 91:1-2, NIV).

Practical Observation

1. The phrase "he who dwells" applies to all who desire to remain somewhere. Where do these people dwell?

2. What is the result of dwelling in this place?

God's Refuge: Abide means to lodge or pass the night, and shadow simply means shade. Those who sit close to God are naturally shaded from the scorching sun and sheltered from life's harsh elements. He is "a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat" (Isaiah 25:4).

3. The psalmist had firsthand experience dwelling "in the secret place of the Most High" and abiding "under the shadow of the Almighty." What other titles for the Most High did he use in verse 2?

4. Which two symbolic images describe the Lord?

God's Protection: While the term refuge portrays a quiet retreat, the word fortress (also translated castle) presents the idea of a towering defense against the enemy's attacks (Mary B. Duncan, as quoted in Charles H. Spurgeon, The Treasury of David: Volume Two [Hendrickson Publishers, 1876], 97). Such images are used throughout the psalms to portray God's protection and strength. "For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy" (Psalm 61:3-4).

5. Having recognized God's awesome power to protect, what vow did the psalmist make?

Personal Application

a. Dwelling in God's presence results in abiding—which means passing the night—under His peaceful yet powerful protection. What are the temptations, terrors, or troubles you face in the "night" seasons or dark times of life? How do you typically respond in those situations (e.g., lose sleep, read your Bible, be still and know that He is God, pray, give up, let thoughts run wild, ask for help, escape, withdraw).

b. The psalmist used four different names for God in verses 1 and 2, ultimately proclaiming, "In Him I will trust" (v. 2). Based on the definitions and verses below, how does each of God's names cause you to trust Him more?

1. Most High (Elyon): Portrays God as owner of heaven and earth. "Let them know that you…alone are the Most High over all the earth" (Psalm 83:18, NIV).

2. Almighty (Shaddai): Conveys God's all-sufficient provision for His people. "The Almighty will be your gold and your precious silver; for then you will have your delight in the Almighty…. You will make your prayer to Him, He will hear you" (Job 22:25-27).

3. Lord (Jehovah): Expresses His personal, promise-keeping relationship with His people. "I will maintain my love to him forever, and my covenant with him will never fail" (Psalm 89:28, NIV). 

4. My God (Elohim): Reveals His triune nature and power as Creator (definitions adapted from John Phillips, Exploring Psalms: Volume Two [Kregel Academic & Professional, 2002], 29-30). "You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works" (Psalm 139:13-14).

Take refuge in the Lord. There isn't a more secure refuge because Jesus is everything we need to be safe and sound.