Running to God for Refuge

Reuben Smith July 2011

Psalm 91 (NLT)

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 18:10 “The name of the Lord is a strong fortress;
      the godly run to him and are safe.”

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30 “…..Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” 

In light of these passages I’d like us to take a look at Psalm 91. It’s a beautiful picture of the benefits of running to God.  If a burning coal is separated from the rest of the coals it will soon cool off. Distance from God is a dangerous.  In nature we see that if a pack animal is distance from the herd (for whatever reason, age or sickness) it is at moment in danger.

Let’s look at Psalm 91 and specifics of running to God. 

I. Rest and Refuge

1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
      will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
 2 This I declare about the Lord:
   He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
      he is my God, and I trust him

II.  Rescue and Protection

3 For he will rescue you from every trap
      and protect you from deadly disease.
 4 He will cover you with his feathers.
      He will shelter you with his wings.
      His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
      nor the arrow that flies in the day.
 6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
      nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
 7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
      though ten thousand are dying around you,
      these evils will not touch you.

14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
      I will protect those who trust in my name.

 III.  Victory

13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

IV. We have His attention!

 15 When they call on me, I will answer;
      I will be with them in trouble.
      I will rescue and honor them.
 16 I will reward them with a long life
      and give them my salvation.”