| Promises...with a Prerequisite |
Promises . . . with a Prerequisite
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under
the shadow of the Almighty.
— Psalm 91:1
Without question, Psalm 91 is a real gem among the psalms. Next to
Psalm 23, it probably has brought more encouragement and comfort
throughout the centuries than any other psalm.
But it is worth noting that the blessings promised in Psalm 91 are not
for just anyone. They are specifically given to believers—and not just to
believers in general, but to believers who specifically meet the
requirements found in it. Psalm 91 is full of conditional promises. That
is, God promises to do certain things for us, hinging on us doing certain
things that are required.
Verse 1 begins, "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High. . .
" The word "dwells" could be translated as "quiet and resting, enduring
and remaining with consistency." It is very similar to the word "abide,"
which we see often in the New Testament. Jesus said, "He who abides
in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit" (John 15:5). That word "abide"
means, "to stay in a given place, to maintain unbroken fellowship and
communion with another."
Here's what God is saying: If you want to experience the promises of
Psalm 91—My protection, My provision, and My blessing—you must
dwell in the secret place of the Most High. You must remain in constant
fellowship with Me."
We have relationship with God because we have put our faith in Jesus
Christ and have turned from our sin. But are we living in constant
fellowship with God? Many believers are not.
God is interested in a relationship with you, not just on Sundays, but
throughout the week. He wants you to dwell in the secret place of the
Most High.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under
the shadow of the Almighty.
— Psalm 91:1
Without question, Psalm 91 is a real gem among the psalms. Next to
Psalm 23, it probably has brought more encouragement and comfort
throughout the centuries than any other psalm.
But it is worth noting that the blessings promised in Psalm 91 are not
for just anyone. They are specifically given to believers—and not just to
believers in general, but to believers who specifically meet the
requirements found in it. Psalm 91 is full of conditional promises. That
is, God promises to do certain things for us, hinging on us doing certain
things that are required.
Verse 1 begins, "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High. . .
" The word "dwells" could be translated as "quiet and resting, enduring
and remaining with consistency." It is very similar to the word "abide,"
which we see often in the New Testament. Jesus said, "He who abides
in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit" (John 15:5). That word "abide"
means, "to stay in a given place, to maintain unbroken fellowship and
communion with another."
Here's what God is saying: If you want to experience the promises of
Psalm 91—My protection, My provision, and My blessing—you must
dwell in the secret place of the Most High. You must remain in constant
fellowship with Me."
We have relationship with God because we have put our faith in Jesus
Christ and have turned from our sin. But are we living in constant
fellowship with God? Many believers are not.
God is interested in a relationship with you, not just on Sundays, but
throughout the week. He wants you to dwell in the secret place of the
Most High.
| C4W Devotions are used by permission from Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie P.O. Box 4000 Riverside , CA 92514 |