Finding Security and Shelter in God's Presence

Devotional

Day 1: Christ Is Your Covering—You Are Hidden and Secure in Him

To be hidden in Christ means that your life is enveloped in His presence and protection, no matter what chaos swirls around you. When God looks at you, He sees His Son, Jesus, and all the promises of God find their “yes” in Him. This is not just a comforting idea but a spiritual reality: you are not exposed to the storms of life, but sheltered under the impenetrable armor of Christ. When the enemy looks at you, he sees the victorious Son of God, not just a frail human. Let this truth anchor you when everything feels out of control—your security is not in your circumstances, but in the One who covers you. [41:21]

Psalm 91:1-2 (ESV)
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

Reflection: When you feel exposed or vulnerable this week, what would it look like to intentionally remind yourself that you are hidden in Christ—perhaps by praying Psalm 91:1-2 aloud or writing it somewhere you’ll see it daily?

Day 2: Your Life Is in His Hands—Nothing Touches You Without His Permission

Even when life brings real dangers, losses, or pain, you are not at the mercy of random chance. God’s sovereign love is a shield over you, and nothing can reach you unless it first passes through His hands. Like a mother hen sheltering her chicks, God’s care is both tender and fiercely protective—more solid than any armor. Though you may not always understand why hardship comes, you can rest in the assurance that your Father’s love is the most powerful force in your life, and He will use even the hardest things for your good. [53:25]

Psalm 91:3-6 (ESV)
For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
You will not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

Reflection: Think of a current or past hardship—how might it change your perspective to believe that God’s loving permission and protection are over every detail, even the ones you don’t understand?

Day 3: You Are Personally Known—God Sees You and Never Leaves You

God’s care for you is not generic or distant; it is deeply personal. He knows your name, your tears, your fears, and your story. Even when you feel unseen by others or overwhelmed by loneliness, you are never forgotten by God. He commands His angels concerning you, guards you in all your ways, and promises that no evil will befall you apart from His loving purpose. You are not just one among many—your Father sees you, knows you, and walks with you through every valley. [01:01:00]

Psalm 91:7-13 (ESV)
A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
You will only look with your eyes
and see the recompense of the wicked.
Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—
the Most High, who is my refuge—
no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
no plague come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.
On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the adder;
the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.

Reflection: When have you felt unseen or forgotten? How can you take a moment today to rest in the truth that God knows you intimately and is with you right now?

Day 4: God Has the Final Word—His Promises Secure Your Future

No matter what accusations, doubts, or storms you face, God’s voice is the one that matters most. He promises deliverance, protection, presence, honor, satisfaction, and salvation to those who hold fast to Him in love. The world may shake, and your own heart may condemn you, but God’s final word over your life is mercy and hope. Cling to Him when nothing makes sense, and trust that His promises are more certain than your circumstances. [01:05:52]

Psalm 91:14-16 (ESV)
“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.”

Reflection: What is one fear or accusation that has been loud in your life lately? How can you intentionally replace it with God’s final word of promise and hope today?

Day 5: Know God Intimately—Intimacy with God Transforms How You Experience Security

It is not enough to know about God; true security comes from knowing Him intimately—His character, His faithfulness, His love. David could rest in God’s shelter because he knew God as Most High, Almighty, Yahweh, and Elohim. The more you know your Father, the more you will trust Him when life is out of control. This is not a question of salvation, but of relationship—do you know Him as a friend knows a friend? Seek Him, spend time with Him, and let your heart be anchored in who He is. [01:00:00]

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV)
Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom,
let not the mighty man boast in his might,
let not the rich man boast in his riches,
but let him who boasts boast in this,
that he understands and knows me,
that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love,
justice, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can pursue deeper intimacy with God this week—perhaps through prayer, worship, or meditating on His names and character?

Sermon Summary

Psalm 91 offers a profound invitation to find shelter and security in the presence of God, especially when life feels chaotic and out of control. The psalm opens with the assurance that those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This is not just poetic language, but a declaration of spiritual reality: in Christ, we are hidden, secure, and covered. When God looks at us, He sees His Son, and all the promises of God find their “yes” in Jesus. Our identity, security, and hope are anchored in Him, not in our circumstances or our own strength.

Being hidden in Christ means freedom from the power of sin, a new identity, daily transformation, and a future filled with hope. It means that our lives are not defined by our past or by what has been done to us, but by who Christ is and what He has done for us. We are called to live out this new reality, letting it shape our decisions, relationships, and even our response to suffering. The psalmist uses four names for God in just two verses—Most High, Almighty, Lord (Yahweh), and God (Elohim)—each revealing a different aspect of God’s character: His supreme authority, sufficiency, faithfulness, and creative power. Truly knowing God in these ways is essential to experiencing the security He offers.

Life’s storms are real—disease, betrayal, loss, and fear—but nothing touches us without first passing through the loving hands of our sovereign God. The promise is not that we will be spared from hardship, but that we will be protected and never abandoned. Like a mother hen sheltering her chicks, God’s care is both tender and impenetrable. Even when we feel unseen or forgotten, God knows us intimately, counts our tears, and walks with us through every valley.

Ultimately, God has the final word over our lives. His promises secure our future, and His voice declares deliverance, protection, and salvation for those who hold fast to Him in love. When the world shakes, when fear whispers, and when we feel overwhelmed, we are called to remember who we are in Christ, to rest in His covering, and to encourage others with these truths. Whether we are in a Psalm 91 season ourselves or know someone who is, the love and faithfulness of God remain our sure foundation.

Key Takeaways

1. Christ Is Your Covering: Hidden and Secure in Him In Christ, you are not exposed to the chaos of the world; you are hidden and secure. When God looks at you, He sees the righteousness of Jesus, and when the enemy looks at you, he sees Christ’s victory. This truth is not just comforting—it is the foundation of your spiritual identity and authority. Don’t let the enemy know more about your position in Christ than you do; live boldly in the reality of being hidden in Him. [41:21]
2. Intimacy with God Transforms Security from Theory to Reality Knowing about God is not the same as knowing Him intimately. The security and peace described in Psalm 91 become real only as you grow in personal relationship with God—knowing Him as Most High, Almighty, Yahweh, and Elohim. This intimacy moves truth from head knowledge to heart experience, enabling you to rest in His protection even when life is turbulent. [53:25]
3. Nothing Touches You Without God’s Loving Permission The hardships and dangers of life—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—are not outside of God’s sovereign care. Like a mother hen shielding her chicks, God’s protection is both tender and strong. Even when you don’t understand the “why” behind your suffering, you can trust the “who” that stands above your circumstances, knowing that if God allows it, He will use it for your good and His glory. [65:52]
4. You Are Personally Known and Never Alone God’s care is not generic or distant; He sees you, knows your name, and is attentive to every detail of your life. Even when you feel invisible to others or overwhelmed by loneliness, you are never forgotten by God. His providence means you will never face any trial alone—He walks with you, holds your tears, and numbers your days with loving precision. [70:00]
5. God’s Promises Have the Final Word Over Your Life The ultimate security for your future is not found in your ability to hold on, but in God’s faithfulness to keep His promises. When you cling to Him in love, He pledges deliverance, protection, and salvation. No accusation, circumstance, or failure can override the mercy and rescue that God has spoken over you—His word is the last word. [76:15]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[37:47] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
[39:39] - When Life Feels Out of Control
[41:21] - Christ Is Your Covering: Hidden in Him
[44:00] - Ten Implications of Being Hidden in Christ
[53:25] - Knowing God by His Names
[56:30] - Intimacy with God: Beyond Head Knowledge
[58:40] - Your Life Is in His Hands
[61:30] - God’s Protection Illustrated
[65:52] - Nothing Touches You Without His Permission
[70:00] - You Are Personally Known
[73:30] - God’s Promises Secure Your Future
[76:15] - Responding to God’s Invitation
[83:49] - Encouraging Others in Psalm 91 Seasons
[84:30] - Announcements and Closing Prayer
[87:03] - Dismissal and Final Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Psalm 91 (ESV) — 1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
5 You will not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
...
(Encourage the group to read the entire Psalm 91 together.)

Observation Questions

What are the four different names for God mentioned in the first two verses of Psalm 91, and what do they reveal about His character? ([53:25])
According to the sermon, what does it mean to be “hidden in Christ”? What are some of the practical implications listed? ([41:21])
In verses 3-6, what kinds of dangers or hardships does the psalmist mention, and what is God’s promise in the midst of them? ([53:25])
How does the imagery of a mother hen sheltering her chicks help us understand God’s protection? ([58:40])

Interpretation Questions

Why is it important to know God not just as a distant figure, but intimately by His names and character? How does this change the way we experience security in Him? ([53:25])
The sermon says that being hidden in Christ means our identity is not defined by our past or by what’s been done to us. How does this truth challenge the way we see ourselves and others? ([41:21])
The psalmist says, “He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge.” What does this say about the nature of God’s care, especially during times of suffering or fear? ([58:40])
The sermon emphasizes that “nothing touches you without God’s loving permission.” How does this perspective affect the way we respond to suffering or unexpected hardship? ([01:05:52])

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us not to let the enemy know more about our position in Christ than we do. Are there areas in your life where you forget or doubt your security in Christ? What would it look like to live boldly in your true identity this week? ([41:21])
The difference between knowing about God and knowing Him intimately was highlighted. What is one step you can take this week to grow in personal intimacy with God—maybe through prayer, worship, or meditating on one of His names? ([53:25])
When you face suffering, loss, or fear, do you tend to question God’s love or His control? How can you remind yourself (or let others remind you) that nothing touches you without passing through God’s loving hands? ([01:05:52])
The sermon used the image of a mother hen protecting her chicks. Can you recall a time when you felt “hidden” or protected by God in a way you couldn’t explain? How did that experience shape your faith? ([58:40])
The psalmist says God knows us personally and never leaves us. When have you felt unseen or forgotten by others? How does knowing God sees and knows you change the way you handle loneliness or discouragement? ([01:10:00])
God’s promises, not our circumstances, have the final word over our lives. Is there a specific promise from God’s Word you need to cling to right now? How can you practically “hold fast” to Him in love this week? ([01:16:15])
The sermon encouraged us to share the truths of Psalm 91 with others who are in a hard season. Who is one person you know who needs encouragement right now? What is one way you can reach out to them this week with the love and faithfulness of God? ([01:23:49])

Sermon Clips

When God looks at you, he sees his son, Jesus. This is not, listen, this is not just a cute. This is not just a cute. imaginary truth your heavenly father actually chooses to see his son Jesus when he looks at you and that that matters a great deal because of all of the promises of God find their yes in who in Jesus and you also are found in him all the good that God has infinite amount of goodness infinite blessing infinite holiness infinite charity and generosity all of that has a yes for you in Jesus and so when God the father looks at you he is not looking for reasons to say no to us he looks at us and sees his son Jesus all that he has for you. [00:42:37] (59 seconds) #SeenAsSon

You have a new identity in Christ Jesus your life is now defined by Jesus which is really good news for those of us in the room with the past anybody in the room have a past that they'd rather forget should it's probably all of us all of us have some things some some things in our past that we would rather forget and we would rather not be defined by the things that we have done or have been done to us because you're hidden in Christ your identity is actually Jesus your old self is crucified buried and hidden your identity is now found in Jesus Galatians 220 2nd Corinthians 5 17 so stop living under shame or guilt we can live boldly and joyfully in our new identity as a child of God hidden in Christ. [00:45:35] (51 seconds) #HiddenInChrist

Christ is your life Christ is not just a part of your life if you are hidden in Christ he is your life Colossians 3 4 teaches us the Christian life is Christ living through you everything revolves around him so we orient our our decisions our relationships our work our agendas our goals around the lordship of Jesus asking how does Jesus want to live through me in this decision in this relationship in this moment in this day. [00:47:11] (37 seconds) #ChristIsLife

Because we not only share in the death of christ but we share in the burial and resurrection of christ we can live victoriously knowing that resurrection power is at work in us so trials and suffering are temporary and they're not final they don't get the final word over us. [00:51:26] (18 seconds) #ResurrectionVictory

Much of our life in christ is hidden from the world and as we said a minute ago hidden even from ourselves but it's real and it's probably the most real thing about us if we're honest it's real and eternal our transformation is often unseen but now will be gloriously revealed at christ's return so we walk by faith we remind ourselves who we really are in christ jesus we don't walk by sight we trust god's unseen work in our hearts and we trust that in god in in god's people as well not just in ourselves. [00:51:50] (35 seconds) #WalkByFaithNotSight

``Now i love that imagery that when god looks at me he sees jesus when the devil looks at me he sees jesus if anybody wants to reach me they have to get through jesus that's not just comfort that's impenetrable armor so when a life is is is spinning out of control when the headlines are screaming and when your soul is trembling remember christ is your covering you are not exposed you are hidden in him. [00:52:25] (30 seconds) #ImpenetrableArmor

So what do we do when life feels out of control we remember four things we speak the truth to our fear remember Christ is your covering you're hidden and secure in him remember your life is in his hands nothing touches you without his permission remember you are personally known God sees you and never leaves you and remember God has the final word his promises secure your future psalm 91 doesn't guarantee that storms won't come it guarantees that they will but it promises that they won't destroy you so preach these truths to yourself whisper them in the night when the phone call comes and before the phone call comes declare them in the morning when you wake up because the God who watches over the world is also watching over you he who dwells in the shelter of the most high will abide in the shadow of the almighty amen thanks be to God for his watchful eye and sustaining hand over our lives. [01:12:32] (73 seconds) #SecureInHisPromises

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