I’ve noticed a definite pattern in my preaching. I am the pastor of a country church and I continue to emphasize how God looks after us and walks with us through troubles. Did you know the Bible tells us not to be afraid 365 times? - once per each day of the year. God does not want us to live in fear. He wants us to live in faith.
I’m preaching tomorrow on Psalm 91 that says we can live in the protection of God and that he will spare us from the troubles we see happening around us. Further, he will bless us with long life.
This brings up some difficult questions: Does this mean that the Bible is not true since we have all faced sickness, trouble, and even death?
A skeptic wrote and asked how I could believe God is watching out for our best interests when we see such tragic events around the world. It’s a good question that deserves an answer.
When we look fairly at Psalm 91 we see that there are conditions to God’s protection and provision. The writer says God protects us when we dwell in the shelter of the Most High. This means we are living our lives close to him. The Scripture clearly teaches that this means we love him with all of our hearts, souls and minds; we are putting no idols before him; we are trying to obey him. The Scripture never promises God’s goodness for people who do not believe in him, love him, and obey him. I can think of few things less fair than ignoring God then expecting him to take care of us. That’s not promised and shouldn’t be. I think many people live their lives for their own pleasure and purposes, with little or no disregard for God, then conclude that he doesn’t exist or care when something bad happens to them. Where is the sense of fair-play in this?
On first reading Psalm 91 we might conclude that if we belong to God we will live to be 100 years old. Yet, some fine Christians are cut short at a young age. Some children are killed or die of disease. What gives?
The best gift the psalmist could imagine was living a long life. What could be more important than that? But he probably didn’t understand that what God offers is eternal life. It is not until Jesus’ teaching that this is clearly seen. Whether a person lives 4 years or 98 years, that is still only a split-second compared to eternity. Jesus said not to fear those who can kill your body but not touch your soul. Yes, I will live a long life - whether I live one more year or fifty-five more.
It’s interesting that Psalm 91 says we will see pestilence and plague all around us. Isn’t this true? It says we needn’t fear the “terror of night nor the arrow that flies by day.” Because we know God loves us and wants what’s best for us, we do not have to fear. Yes, bad things still happen, but nothing is a disaster if it is the will of God. This is the basic truth we must believe so that we will not worry. He allows pain, but uses it to make us more like Jesus, which is his ultimate goal for us. Remember, pain is a gift because we cannot live without it. We cannot mature without it, ether.
There is a warning accompanying this Psalm: Satan quoted it to Jesus to try to get him to jump off of the temple so that angels would catch him. Jesus said we do not have the right to jump off temples and expect God to protect us. He said this puts God to a foolish test. Again, fair-play; when we make poor decisions, God allows us to face the consequences.
We were facing a serious “pestilence” one time. We were out of money and had run out of sources to get any more. It was looking bad. We didn’t know what to do and I was beginning to get mad at God. (This is my normal reaction when things aren’t going my way.)
Then, about four in the afternoon, we heard a car honk outside. My wife went to investigate and it was our church treasurer with a check for a thousand dollars for us. A couple had given it as a pastor appreciation gift. How about that?
The bottom line: No matter what, stick close to God, live to please him, and then don’t worry. He really does know what is best for us and he is big enough to provide it.
I love going to amusement parks and riding the thrill rides. The bigger and faster the better. But there is that moment, just before you take off, that is always unnerving to me. You are strapped in and totally at the mercy of the park. You have buckled your seat belt and pulled the harness over your shoulders. I remember thinking, “If this thing goes off the tracks and lands up-side-down, I’m totally stuck in here.” It’s a claustrophobic feeling. But that is all part of the thrill. What you are is totally committed to the ride. You are strapped in and there is no turning back.
