Dwell under the shadow of the Almighty

(Audio: Español)

RESUMEN: The psalmist in Psalm 91 offers a promise of protection to those who trust in the Lord. Fear and anxiety are enemies of modern man, illustrated by recent terrorist attacks. Terrorism has become a technique to destabilize societies, and groups like ISIS want to recapture former glory through violence. The Muslim and Arab world has a culture of resentment, envy, and hatred, leading to rebellion and incapability of progress. The healing lies in forgiving and seeking reconciliation. Christianity, while also having violence in the Old Testament, has the New Testament that brings a fuller perspective of the heart of God and emphasizes love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and peace.

The speaker discusses the role of violence in the world and how Christianity differs from other religions in its approach to it. They believe that the New Testament, which emphasizes love and forgiveness, provides a fuller understanding of God's heart than the violent Old Testament. The speaker argues that Islamic terrorism is being allowed by God to discipline modern, secular nations and remind them of their fragility and need for God. Despite the dangers and anxieties of the world, the speaker encourages dwelling on positive things and focusing on God's power and control over history. They cite Psalm 91 as a source of comfort and security for those who abide in God's presence.

The psalmist in Psalm 91 offers four ways to battle fear, anxiety, and anguish: 1) keep your mind and emotions focused on God, meditate on His Word and values, and cultivate a sense of His power and might; 2) use positive confession, speak positively about your life and mind even if you don't feel it, and declare things in the name of the Lord; 3) put your trust in God and not in yourself, cultivate a sense of fragility and put your trust exclusively in Him; and 4) meditate on God's love for you, fill yourself with a sense of His motherly love, and actively have faith in His protecting love. Remember that God's love is invincible and fiercely protects His children, no matter what mistakes or failures they may make.

The love of God is always present and protects us fiercely. The world is full of danger and evil, but as children of God, our basic inheritance is sufficiency, health, goodness, protection, care, joy, and peace. Even if tragedy or loss comes our way, our soul is safe with the Lord and our eternity is guaranteed. We should trust in God and not allow any devil to take our gaze away from Him. We should also pray for those affected by tragedy and for Muslim Arab nations to come to know Christ.

Let's go to the word of the Lord in Psalm 91. It is a precious psalm and I recite it many times in my prayer time. I have memorized it years ago and it has been a source of strength for my life and I want us to meditate on it this morning. Also as part of our… this psalm is good because it kills two birds with one stone or gives life to two birds with just one piece of bread. One is that we are talking about emotional and spiritual health, how to live healthy lives and prosper in the midst of a hostile world, and that we need to find practical advice in the word of the Lord to have a healthy life.

Number 1 is like part of that series, and secondly, the events that have affected the world so much this weekend, what's happened in Paris with these terrorist attacks where 120-odd people have been killed and it's probably going to go up quite a bit. more since many people were seriously injured. And this event has obviously moved the world for very obvious reasons, and it's up to us too. And I know that we come to a service like today, some naturally feel a little affected by something of this nature and we think of our own nation and the threats against it as well. But that is not strange to God or to the history of humanity, and the word of the Lord has good antidotes, good remedies for fear.