The Protection of God’s Name • Psalm 91:1-6, 9-16
By Bobby McKay
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/unlock the door, set timers and various codes, and know when the door is opened or closed. It is especially convenient if you are arriving and have a vehicle full of groceries and don’t wish to fumble with a set of keys. A few months ago, I was about forty-five 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. Was someone breaking in? Is there a problem? I deliberated on what I should do, so I 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 and 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 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 the fact of God’s exclusivity. There is none like or equal to Him. The Almighty carries with it the name of Shaddai, “the all-powerful One.” In verse 2, “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 of 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. Just as the angels supported Christ in His trials, they do us as well. 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!
McKay is pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church, Morton.
