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 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 our doing certain things that are required of us.

Verse 1 begins, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High. . . .” The word “dwells” could be translated, “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, of My protection, of My provision, of 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

Psalms 91 King James Version

1.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2.
I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
3.
Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence.
4.
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5.
You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
6.
nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7.
A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.
8.
You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
9.
If you make the Most High your dwelling-- even the Lord, who is my refuge--
10.
then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.
11.
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
12.
they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13.
You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14.
"Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15.
He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
16.
With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."