Relax And Let God Restore Your Faith

Topic: Relax
Passage: Psalms 91:1–16

December 5, 2020

Commentary

The same is true of our rough times, when we fight against them we sink, when we relax in faith, the influence of God’s presence lifts us up. When the world seems out of control and times get rough, where can we find shelter, peace and refuge?  “Times of Refreshing” are found in the presence of the Lord. A personal plan for turning rough times into refreshing times, come from one of the most comforting Psalms ever written. According to this psalm the first principle for turning rough times into refreshing times is……

  1. Run to God (v. 1-4). “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God; in Him will I trust” (v. 2). Rough times become refreshing times when we first run to God, then we must ……
  2. Relax in Faith (v. 5-10). “Thou hast made the Lord……thy habitation” (v. 9). We experience refreshment when we run to God, relax in faith, then we must……..
  3. Rely on His Resources (vv. 11-13).  You might say, “how can I relax in faith when I’’ve got unmet needs?"  Rough times are transformed into refreshing times when we run to God, relax in faith, rely on His resources, then we must…….
  4. Recommit to Him (vv. 14-16).  Only those who know and love God are assured of His protection!

One of the most interesting things about this psalm is that Satan knew it, memorized it and used it in a distorted and devious way as he tried to tempt our Lord from the path of obedience to His Father. When he quoted from Psalm 91 in the temptation of our Lord he showed how good a student he is of the Bible. However the Lord Jesus countered Satan’s quotation with another and disarmed him.

Application

One of the most difficult things in this pressure cooker society in which we live may be to relax. That is why it is so important that I have set times each day to relax and spend time with Him.

Psalms 91:1– 16 (NET)

1 As for you, the one who lives in the shelter of the Most High, and resides in the protective shadow of the Sovereign One —

2 I say this about the Lord, my shelter and my stronghold, my God in whom I trust—

3 he will certainly rescue you from the snare of the hunter and from the destructive plague.

4 He will shelter you with his wings; you will find safety under his wings. His faithfulness is like a shield or a protective wall.

5 You need not fear the terrors of the night, the arrow that flies by day,

6 the plague that stalks in the darkness, or the disease that ravages at noon.

7 Though a thousand may fall beside you, and a multitude on your right side, it will not reach you.

8 Certainly you will see it with your very own eyes— you will see the wicked paid back.

9 For you have taken refuge in the Lord, my shelter, the Most High.

10 No harm will overtake you; no illness will come near your home.

11 For he will order his angels to protect you in all you do.

12 They will lift you up in their hands, so you will not slip and fall on a stone.

13 You will subdue a lion and a snake; you will trample underfoot a young lion and a serpent.

14 The Lord says, “Because he is devoted to me, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he is loyal to me.

15 When he calls out to me, I will answer him. I will be with him when he is in trouble; I will rescue him and bring him honor.

16 I will satisfy him with long life, and will let him see my salvation.”