Protection Truths From Psalm 91 (Full Sermon)

In a world increasingly marked by terror, darkness, and perilous times, the message of Psalm 91 offers believers a powerful promise of divine, 24-hour protection. God desires His people to be shielded from all categories of evil, including diseases, disasters, and unexpected destruction. This comprehensive protection is available to those who understand and apply the spiritual principles embedded in this vital Psalm.

The Urgent Need for Divine Protection

We are living in perilous times where men are lovers of themselves, but the church is destined to shine brighter as the world grows darker. All the categories of evil that cause fear—terror by night, arrows (missiles) that fly by day, pestilence (disease) walking in darkness, and destruction at noonday—are covered in Psalm 91. The Bible is practical and advanced; it foresaw modern technology and global events, such as 9/11 (referenced by Psalm 91:1), long before they occurred.

God’s promise is 24-hour protection, covering both night and day, darkness and noon day. However, this protection is not automatic; God waits to be invited. The Lord will not force His protection on you.

The Keys to Dwelling in the Secret Place

Psalm 91:1 states, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty“. The word “dwells” (Hebrew: yashav) means to rest, sit down, and make your home permanently. This position is crucial: God first sets us on high, and then the blessings follow.

To find this secret place, the sources reveal a profound understanding of the two divine names mentioned in verse 1: Elion (Most High God) and El Shaddai (Almighty God).

1. The Revelation of Righteousness by Faith (Genesis 15)

The name Elion (Most High God) is first mentioned in Genesis 14. The name El Shaddai (Almighty God) is first mentioned in Genesis 17. The two chapters sandwiched between these first mentions—Genesis 15 and 16—hold the key to the “secret place”.

Genesis 15 reveals the first critical step: Justification by Faith.

• Abraham looked toward heaven and believed the promise that his descendants would be like the stars.
• God counted Abraham’s belief to him for righteousness.
• This act established the basis for the gospel of grace: salvation and righteousness are received by faith, not by works.

To dwell in the secret place, you must believe you are justified by faith. God does not presumptuously promise protection to unbelievers.

2. Separating Grace from Law (Genesis 16)

The next step is understanding Genesis 16, which features Sarah (a picture of grace) and Hagar (a picture of the Law).

• This chapter shows the struggle where man tries to help God produce the promised fruit by mixing works (Law/Hagar) with grace (Sarah).
• The secret place requires believers to put law under grace, not grace under law.
• Those who seek the secret place must be delivered from the law and not trust their own efforts; they must rest in Christ.

3. Trusting in the Almighty (Genesis 17)

Genesis 17 introduces El Shaddai (Almighty God), who appeared to Abraham when he was 99 years old.

• At age 99, Abraham’s body was “no more able to do anything”.
• God waited until Abraham had no natural power left before declaring, “I am Almighty God”.
• Almighty (El Shaddai) means “all supplying, all providing”. It means “no room for your effort”.
• When you cannot, God can. The secret place is where you are restful and trusting Christ to work for you.

The order of the names in Psalm 91—Most High (Elion) and Almighty (El Shaddai)—is deliberate, underscoring that our position in Christ (Most High) leads to the provision of the Almighty (El Shaddai).

The Power of Communion and Tithing

Another insight from the first mention of Elion (Genesis 14) is the meeting of Abraham and Melchizedek (King of Wholeness/Shalom).

• Melchizedek (who is Jesus in pre-incarnate form) brought out bread and wine—the elements of Communion—long before the Law was given.
• Melchizedek blessed Abraham as the Possessor of heaven and earth.
• Abraham responded to this blessing by giving Melchizedek a tithe of all.
• Thus, the first mention of the Most High God connects Communion (bringing health) with Tithing (bringing wealth).
• Tithing is a response to the greatness of Melchizedek (Jesus) and is not part of the Law.

Declaring Faith and Activating Protection

Psalm 91 requires a conscious declaration of faith. The psalm begins with the position (“He who dwells”) and continues with the declaration.

• “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust”.
• Believers must stop saying negative things about God, such as that He gives trouble to humble them, and instead declare Him as their refuge and fortress.

Historically, people trapped in perilous situations, such as British soldiers at Dunkirk during WWII, started yelling out Psalm 91, resulting in miraculous deliverance. God works the night shift for those who trust Him.

The Jewish rabbis teach that reciting Psalm 91 seven times builds faith in the heart. They also note that Psalm 91 contains the most Zion (a mark of a sword) in its Hebrew letters, signifying a sword to cut the powers of darkness away from your life.