This article accompanies Pastor’s sermon on Psalm 91. Watch the full message below for deeper insights into this powerful psalm of protection.
The Two Essential Steps of Faith
In our spiritual journey, many of us face battles that seem overwhelming. Whether it’s health challenges, relationship struggles, or financial difficulties, these battles require more than just basic faith—they demand complete trust in God’s protection.
But here’s something crucial many believers miss: There are two essential steps in our relationship with God:
- Believing in God – This is just the starting point
- Abiding in God – This is where true protection begins
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” – Psalm 91:1
The Choice of Protection
In today’s world, people seek protection in many places: good luck charms, positive thinking, or material security. But God offers something far more powerful—His divine presence.
The Law of Action and Reaction
Just as physics teaches us that every action has a reaction, our spiritual lives follow the same principle. Your choice of protection determines the level of divine covering you experience.
“Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling.” – Psalm 91:9-10
Understanding God’s Comprehensive View
Here’s a perspective-shifting truth: While we often see only our current struggles (the partial view), God sees the complete picture (the comprehensive view). Think about Joseph’s story—what appeared to be betrayal and imprisonment was actually God’s path to saving many lives.
“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” – Genesis 50:20
The Promise of Protection
When you choose to dwell in God’s presence, He promises extraordinary protection:
- Angels charged to guard you
- Victory over spiritual enemies
- Divine response in times of trouble
- Long and satisfied life
Moving Beyond Surface-Level Faith
Here’s the challenging truth: many Christians stay at the ‘believing’ level without progressing to the ‘abiding’ level. It’s like having a powerful shield but never picking it up to use it.
Signs You’re Abiding in God
- Regular, meaningful prayer time
- Scripture-based decision making
- Peace during difficulties
- Growing trust in God’s timing
Your 7-Day Abiding Challenge
I challenge you this week to move from merely believing to truly abiding. Here’s how:
- Start each day reading Psalm 91
- Journal one way you see God’s comprehensive view in your current situation
- Spend 15 minutes in focused prayer, specifically about dwelling in God’s presence
- Share your protection testimony with someone else
- Memorize one verse from Psalm 91
- Practice thankfulness even in difficult moments
- End each day reviewing how God protected you
A Final Word of Encouragement
Remember, there is no setback you can face in life that God doesn’t already have a comeback plan for. Your current struggle isn’t a surprise to Him—it’s part of His comprehensive view for your life.
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Let’s pray together: Father, help us move beyond surface-level faith. Teach us to dwell in Your presence, to trust Your comprehensive view, and to experience the full protection promised in Psalm 91. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Share your experience with the 7-Day Abiding Challenge in the comments below or with our church community on social media.