Finding True Refuge: Understanding God's Protection in Trials

 

Summary

Psalm 91 offers profound insights into the nature of God's protection and the true meaning of safety. It begins with the assurance that those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High will find rest and refuge. However, understanding this promise requires a deeper exploration beyond a superficial reading. The devil's temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, where he misquotes Psalm 91, serves as a cautionary tale. Satan's strategy is to make believers think that faith in God guarantees a life free from suffering. This misunderstanding can lead to disillusionment when hardships arise, causing some to turn away from God.

To truly grasp the promise of Psalm 91, we must interpret it in the context of the entire Bible. Joseph's story in Genesis 50:20 illustrates how God can use even the most adverse circumstances for good. Despite being sold into slavery and imprisoned, Joseph recognized that God was working through his trials to bring about a greater purpose. Similarly, Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things together for good, not that all things are inherently good. This perspective helps us see that God's protection doesn't mean the absence of trouble but His presence and purpose through it.

Jesus' words in Luke 21 further illuminate this truth. He warns His disciples of persecution yet assures them that not a hair on their heads will perish. This paradox highlights that true safety is not the absence of physical harm but the preservation of our souls. When we place anything above God, we become vulnerable to life's uncertainties. However, by prioritizing our relationship with God, we find true security and peace.

Ultimately, Psalm 91's promise of refuge is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. On the cross, He took upon Himself the punishment we deserved, ensuring that our trials are not punitive but transformative. Under His wings, we find refuge, knowing that He is with us in every storm, guiding us toward His glory and our ultimate good.

Key Takeaways:

1. Misinterpretation of God's Promises: Satan's temptation of Jesus using Psalm 91 warns us against believing that faith guarantees a trouble-free life. This misunderstanding can lead to disillusionment when hardships arise, causing some to turn away from God. True faith recognizes that God's promises are about His presence and purpose through trials, not the absence of them. [02:18]

2. God's Sovereignty in Adversity: Joseph's story in Genesis 50:20 illustrates how God can use adverse circumstances for good. Despite being sold into slavery and imprisoned, Joseph saw God's hand in his trials, leading to a greater purpose. This teaches us that God's protection doesn't mean the absence of trouble but His presence and purpose through it. [03:42]

3. The True Meaning of Safety: Jesus' words in Luke 21 highlight that true safety is not the absence of physical harm but the preservation of our souls. When we place anything above God, we become vulnerable to life's uncertainties. By prioritizing our relationship with God, we find true security and peace. [05:55]

4. God's Transformative Protection: Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things together for good, not that all things are inherently good. This perspective helps us see that God's protection involves His presence and purpose through trials, transforming them for His glory and our ultimate good. [04:40]

5. Christ as Our Refuge: Psalm 91's promise of refuge is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. On the cross, He took upon Himself the punishment we deserved, ensuring that our trials are not punitive but transformative. Under His wings, we find refuge, knowing that He is with us in every storm, guiding us toward His glory and our ultimate good. [08:12]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Trusting God
- [00:24] - Psalm 91: A Promise of Refuge
- [01:16] - Satan's Misuse of Scripture
- [02:18] - The Danger of Misinterpretation
- [03:23] - Joseph's Story: God's Sovereignty
- [04:40] - Romans 8:28: Working Together for Good
- [05:30] - Jesus' Assurance of True Safety
- [06:09] - Prioritizing God for True Security
- [07:00] - God's Protection Through Trouble
- [07:29] - Christ as Our Refuge
- [08:27] - Reflection and Application
- [09:01] - Understanding Biblical Promises
- [10:10] - The Far Side of Resurrection
- [11:13] - Conclusion and Encouragement

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Understanding God's Protection in Psalm 91

#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 91:1-2, 11-12 - "He who 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.' ... For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone."
2. Genesis 50:20 - "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."
3. Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 91 promise to those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High? How is this promise described in verses 1 and 2? [00:24]
2. How does Satan misuse Psalm 91 during the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, according to the sermon? [01:48]
3. In Genesis 50:20, how does Joseph interpret the adverse events in his life? What does this reveal about his understanding of God's sovereignty? [03:42]
4. According to Romans 8:28, what is the significance of the word "together" in the context of God's work in our lives? [04:40]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon suggest we should understand the promise of safety in Psalm 91 in light of the entire Bible? [02:56]
2. What does Joseph's story teach us about God's protection and purpose through adversity? How does this relate to the concept of safety in Psalm 91? [03:42]
3. How does Jesus' assurance in Luke 21 redefine the concept of safety and protection for believers? What does it mean for our souls to be preserved? [05:55]
4. How does the sermon explain the role of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross in fulfilling the promise of refuge in Psalm 91? [08:12]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge. How did your understanding of God's protection influence your response? How might Psalm 91 change your perspective now? [02:18]
2. In what ways can you prioritize your relationship with God to find true security and peace, as suggested by the sermon? What practical steps can you take this week? [06:09]
3. Consider the areas in your life where you might have placed something above God. How can you realign your priorities to ensure God is your ultimate refuge? [06:22]
4. How can Joseph's perspective in Genesis 50:20 inspire you to see God's hand in your current circumstances, even if they seem adverse? [03:42]
5. What specific actions can you take to remind yourself of God's presence and purpose during trials, as highlighted in Romans 8:28? [04:40]
6. How does understanding Jesus' sacrifice on the cross as a fulfillment of Psalm 91's promise of refuge impact your view of suffering and transformation? [08:12]
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel vulnerable to life's uncertainties. How can you apply the teachings from this sermon to find peace and security in God? [05:55]

Devotional

Day 1: Misinterpretation of God's Promises
True faith recognizes God's presence and purpose through trials, not the absence of them. Satan's temptation of Jesus using Psalm 91 serves as a warning against the belief that faith guarantees a trouble-free life. This misunderstanding can lead to disillusionment when hardships arise, causing some to turn away from God. Instead, true faith acknowledges that God's promises are about His presence and purpose through trials. By understanding this, believers can find strength and hope even in the midst of suffering, knowing that God is with them and working for their good. [02:18]

Psalm 34:19-20 (ESV): "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken."

Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did your understanding of God's presence and purpose help you navigate through it?


Day 2: God's Sovereignty in Adversity
God's protection doesn't mean the absence of trouble but His presence and purpose through it. Joseph's story in Genesis 50:20 illustrates how God can use adverse circumstances for good. Despite being sold into slavery and imprisoned, Joseph saw God's hand in his trials, leading to a greater purpose. This teaches us that God's sovereignty is at work even in our darkest moments, transforming them for His glory and our ultimate good. By trusting in His plan, we can find peace and assurance that He is in control. [03:42]

Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."

Reflection: Recall a time when you felt overwhelmed by adversity. How can you see God's hand at work in that situation now?


Day 3: The True Meaning of Safety
True safety is not the absence of physical harm but the preservation of our souls. Jesus' words in Luke 21 highlight this truth, reminding us that when we place anything above God, we become vulnerable to life's uncertainties. By prioritizing our relationship with God, we find true security and peace. This perspective shifts our focus from seeking physical safety to nurturing our spiritual well-being, trusting that God will preserve us through all circumstances. [05:55]

Matthew 10:28 (ESV): "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are seeking physical safety over spiritual well-being? How can you prioritize your relationship with God in that area today?


Day 4: God's Transformative Protection
God works all things together for good, not that all things are inherently good. This perspective helps us see that God's protection involves His presence and purpose through trials, transforming them for His glory and our ultimate good. By trusting in His transformative power, we can find hope and assurance that He is using our trials to shape us into the people He created us to be. This understanding encourages us to embrace our challenges, knowing that God is with us and working for our good. [04:40]

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: Identify a current trial you are facing. How can you trust in God's transformative power to use this trial for your growth and His glory?


Day 5: Christ as Our Refuge
Psalm 91's promise of refuge is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. On the cross, He took upon Himself the punishment we deserved, ensuring that our trials are not punitive but transformative. Under His wings, we find refuge, knowing that He is with us in every storm, guiding us toward His glory and our ultimate good. This assurance allows us to face life's challenges with confidence, knowing that we are secure in His love and protection. [08:12]

Hebrews 6:18-19 (ESV): "So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain."

Reflection: Reflect on a storm you are currently facing. How can you find refuge in Christ and trust in His guidance through this situation?

Quotes

He who 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 in my fortress and God I trust later on it says he will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge you will not fear the arrow that flies by day nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness. [00:00:24]

The devil can sight scripture for his purpose and days exactly that is exactly what the devil does in Luke chapter 4 when we're talking about Jesus Christ in the wilderness he's being tempted by the devil and one of the ways in which the devil tempts Jesus as he actually cites Psalm 91. [00:01:31]

If the devil can get a Christian to believe that now that I'm a Christian God will not let any really really big bad things happen to me he might let me have a couple of bathra, in general now that I'm a Christian God won't let any really bad things happen to me if you believe that and really bad things will happen to you then you're gonna pull back from God. [00:02:16]

Joseph at the end of a long life in which he was abused falsely accused and slaved convicted falsely convicted of crime at the very end of his life he looks at his brothers who had done all this to him and he says you meant it for evil but God meant it for good. [00:03:27]

Romans 8:28 all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose now look at that word together it says it doesn't say all things are good, it doesn't say oh even the bad things if you just look at them every cloud has a silver lining and nothing so shallow and on unfeeling as that. [00:04:33]

You will be betrayed some put to death and yet not a hair of your head will perish in patience you will possess your souls did you hear that you will be betrayed some will be put to death you some of you will be put to death but not a hair of your head will perish. [00:05:38]

If you live for anything more than God if there's anything in your life that's more important to you than God whether it's your career whether it's a child anything more important than God you are not safe not at all because circumstances can come and threaten that thing or take that thing away and then you don't have a life left. [00:06:06]

Only as we more and more come not to love our career less not to love our child less but to love God more in relationship to them then and only then do we possess our own souls as it were otherwise we're enslaved the career possesses our soul the more and more God possesses our souls and more we are actually in charge. [00:06:42]

What God is saying in this Psalm 91 is not I will protect you from all trouble but I will protect you not only in all trouble but even through it I will make you safer through the trouble and the only way we are absolutely sure that God is really doing that that he's not just punishing us for our sins. [00:07:05]

Jesus Christ on the cross took what you and I deserve for our sin so that you can know that no we're not being punished for sin we're being kept safe we're being kept safe no matter what happens you can trust him he will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge. [00:08:09]

Most people are used to reading the promises that they find in the Bible as guarantees for safety and happiness in this world which is what you were saying but when it doesn't turn out to work out that way they get either confused or else they get angry and I think you say that that really comes down to not really understanding the Bible in its entirety. [00:08:37]

A lot of God's promises it finally dawned on me are met on the far side of Resurrection nearside of resurrection and we we tend to think well if it's not going to happen here and now then what good is it well it is but I think don't you think we owe the ourselves an apology for taking that out of context. [00:10:43]

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Transcript
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