THE PROTECTION OF GOD’S NAME
Psalm 91:1–6, 9–16
Today’s technology is amazing and ever-changing. As part of renovations to our family’s home, a lock was added to the main door we use for entry. It came with a keypad, a wireless signal and an app for my smartphone. With the app on my phone, I can lock and unlock the door, set timers and various codes and know when the door is opened or closed. A few months ago, I was about 45 miles away from home, and my phone continued to signal that the door was being unlocked and locked every few minutes. Since I knew no one was home, I was a bit concerned. I deliberated on what I should do and finally decided to call my friend and fellow church member David to investigate.
He was quick to call me back and assured me no one was there, and there was no sign of entry. This put my mind at ease, and I decided to try to figure out what was going on later that day. Upon entering the house, it did not take me long to realize what was going on. When I had left earlier that morning, I had not closed the door completely, causing the lock to go back and forth repeatedly. The lock was not the issue; it was me! What was designed for my protection became a source of uneasiness. I thought for a moment that my security had been compromised. We are reminded this week that our great protection is God. Since God is over and above everything, we can trust Him completely.
We can trust God’s power to protect us. (1–6)
With titles such as “the Most High” and “the Almighty,” God grants us assurance in His power to protect. “Most High” refers to God’s exclusivity. There is none like or equal to Him. “The Almighty” carries with it the name “Shaddai,” meaning “the all-powerful One.” In Verse 2, the name “Lord” affirms His covenant promise to be the ruler of His people. Our Father not only is called powerful; He is all-powerful.
We can rest in God’s power to keep us secure. (9–13)
Most everyone in this world has scars. Scars tell a story, often a painful one. These verses do not mean that God’s people will have a pain-free or easy life, but we will have His presence and strength to guide us in the most difficult times. These same verses were used by Satan in one of the temptation stories of Jesus. As usual, Satan twists, misinterprets and misplaces the meaning of God’s Word. The angels support us just as they supported Christ in His trials. When we recognize the magnitude of God’s power, we are compelled to trust Him and resist the darkness in our world.
We can experience satisfaction because God works on our behalf. (14–16)
God’s great love for us is exhibited in both His intimacy with us and His involvement in our lives. God hears us in our despair and answers us. He delivers us in times of trouble, He saves us and He is our eternal satisfaction. We may never know the incredible number of times God has protected us from evil or harm, and that is something even a fancy door lock cannot do!
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
