Intro: Many people profess to know and love God; however, Scripture teaches we prove we know and love God by calling on the Spirit to help us obediently follow His commands. It is possible to love and honor God from a distance, but that spiritual stretch yields no power to bear righteousness in our lives. We must draw near, connect to Christ, pick up our cross, and follow him; He is the living Word of God.
The cross of Christ gives us a new relationship with God, draws us into an authentic posture of worship, helps us better understand our own hearts and desires, calls us to engage in God’s mission to the world, and gives us hope and courage to navigate our own challenges and sufferings. We know God, because we draw close and learn about His love and will for our lives. When we seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, He will give us everything we need (Mat 6:33).
In our passage today from the Psalter, David sings about the Lord coming as his Rescuer and Shelter. When David wandered into the wilderness of sin by his weakened flesh, he called upon the Lord for salvation and restoration. David realized his great need for God’s protecting guidance. God offers that protection to those who turn from sin and “dwell” or “draw near” to Him.
Today, Curtis Tumicki and I will be teaching the first session of our Lenten Bible Study: Drawing Near to the Cross. Please join us each week as we explore how the cross—the symbol of Christianity—reveals the true purpose of God, the way to salvation, and the eternal life that leads to victory over death. “Come close to God, and God will come close to you” (James 4:8).
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
1
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2
This I declare about the Lord:He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.
9
If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter,
10
no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.
11
For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.
12
They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
13
You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
14
The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.
15
When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.
16
I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”
Prayer: Lord, I am looking for even more growth in my relationship with You; I know You want that, as well. As I draw near to you in Christ, be my place of safely and protection. Help me to feast on your Word and produce with my life the things that are precious to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.