Psalm 91 is one of my favorites. When I was younger I would answer that question with Psalm 91. Today I am reminded of how this song is about the benefits of a close personal relationship with God.
Psalm 91 is written within a specific context. It refers to certain events and experiences. This group of people had responded to God’s purpose of living among them. They had seen miracles in God winning their freedom from enemies. They had seen the promises of God used as tools of defense. As we make God our safe place, we will not be overcome by the evil of this world. When we call on God, He will answer. God will rescue those who love Him. God will be with people who trust in Him.
(Read Psalm 91:1-2) “…will find rest in the shadow of the Most High,”.
Human nature is to focus on the desired benefit of the relationships. At some point, growing up brings us to a healthy focus on the person with whom we are in relationship with. When we come to this place in our relationship with God we will discover this kind of life changing growth in trust and in God’s promises fulfilled.
How do we “find rest”?
- Get close, draw near, learn, read, “Who is it?” write, reflect on what you’ve learned, apply it
- Pray worship, daily moment of declaring who God is, adoration, “Promises = Protection”
- Follow, walk in healthy relationship with, where the Holy Spirit guides and convicts we should repent & respond, listen (Psalm 91 says, “If I will make”) learn to recognize the guidance of God (Scripture, voice, leading).
- Team up, walk with those who are following God, “How do I ‘find rest’ follow God?”
- Help others, someone will come along and say, “Why are you at rest?”
“For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock.” Psalm 27:5
“For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.” Psalm 32:7
“The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.” Psalm 121:5
“You are a tower of refuge to the poor O Lord, a tower of refuge to the needy in distress. You are a refuge from the storm and a shelter from the heat.” Isaiah 25:4
“Look, a righteous king is coming! And honest princes will rule under him. Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a parched land.” Isaiah 32:1-2