Psalm 91

It always feels to good to know that someone is in our corner.  We love the comfort that comes from knowing that someone is looking out for us.  This is what we often find in this psalm, particular the first few verses.   The context of the comfort, however, is often some pretty tough experiences.  Often times comfort feels good to us precisely because we know what it is to be afraid.  That is the context for many of us, as it is of this psalm.  

What the psalm reflect for us is the reality that the comfort comes in the midst of circumstances that don't feel quite so secure on their own.  We are invited to trust and rest, not because God will make sure we don't experience tough times, but rather that, no matter what comes our way, we can know that God is present there in our midst.  God does exempt us from tough times, but He helps them get through them.  It is tempting at times to read this passage as a "get out of trouble free card" (in fact, Satan tried to use this psalm against Jesus by suggesting exactly that when tempting Jesus in the wilderness), but that is not how things work in real life, and not what this psalm promises.  God never leaves us or forsakes us, no matter what it is that we have to face or experience - and in that there is comfort.  Nothing can separate us from God's love (see Romans 8).

Exploring the dynamics of that kind of relationship with God, as it is reflected in this psalm, and as we experience it in our own lives, is what Pastor Jon invites us to do in the sermon today.  

If you would like to listen to the sermon again, or perhaps for the first time, you can access our sermon library here.  If you prefer, you can also listen to the livestream version here.