Judges 20-21, Psalm 91, Mark 8:22-30, 1 Corinthians 14:26-40

Psalm 91:

There is a secret to safety even in the midst of danger. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty” (91:1). Whatever may befall us, whatever dangers we may face, those who make God their “dwelling” will find that God is their “refuge” and their “fortress” (91:2). There are great promises for those who dwell in the shelter of God. “You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day” (91:5). Why? “Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place” (91:9). Such confidence can be abused, as the devil twisted this Scripture (91:11-12) to tempt Jesus to put God to the test (Matthew 4:6-7). But still there is an eternal safety for those dwell with God.

Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation” (91:14-16).

How do you, then, make God your “dwelling”?

First, real faith. “Hold fast” to God (91:14). The one who makes God his dwelling has given his life to God, and trusted God wholeheartedly.

Second, fruitful love. “In love” (91:14). The one who makes God his dwelling has the fruit of the Spirit, primary among which is love.

Third, personal relationship. “Because he knows my name” (91:14). The one who makes God his dwelling has a personal relationship with God.

Fourth, confident prayer. “When he calls to me, I will answer him” (91:15). If God is our dwelling place, we will call out to God when we are in need.

And what are the results of making God our “dwelling”?

First, protection. “I will protect him.” Suffering is not excluded from the experience of Christians in this world, but final defeat is. Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Second, help. “I will answer him” (91:15). God’s answers to our prayers are not always what we would want, but his answers are always for our best.

Third, presence. “I will be with him in trouble” (91:15). God has promised never to leave us or forsake us.

Fourth, salvation. “I will rescue him” (91:15). Those who trust God, those God will save.

Fifth, honor. “and honor him” (91:15). The world does not always honor those who dwell with God, and sometimes even the church does not honor such people. But God does give honor to those who dwell with him.

Sixth, life. “long life” (91:16). The Christian does not always live an extended period of time, but those who dwell with God do have “life to the full” or “abundant life.”

Seventh, satisfaction. “I will satisfy him” (91:16). Those who dwell with God have deep, inner, true satisfaction.

Eighth, eternity. “I … will show him my salvation” (91:16). Those who dwell with God have an eternity of salvation to look forward to. Therefore, follow the example of this psalm and make God your dwelling!

How? Real faith, fruitful love, personal relationship, confident prayer.