Psalm 91
What’s in your wallet? Chances are you’ve heard that commercial and can tell me who owns that tagline. Marketing works to develop consumer and brand loyalty by using cash back rewards like Capital One, USAA and their dividend returns, or Sullivan’s steakhouse with the hand written, detailed thank you cards (among many other ideas). These ideas develop brand loyalty, keeping us coming back for more, eventually forgetting the rewards themselves and just turning us into fans of that company. God’s provision works similarly to that – the more we trust Him with the little things and see His help, we begin to desire Him more. That’s the plan.
Philippians 4:19 tells us that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus. This is a great start, but God isn’t here for what we can get out of Him. Him supplying our needs is a by-product of a life that lives in dependency on God. I would like to place a strong focus on this word—DEPENDENCY—as the first of our 4D’s of discipleship. Our goal is to foster dependency on Jehovah Jireh, our provider – outside of what He provides. To that end, let’s explore a few characteristics of this God who we are to desire so much that we become dependent on Him.
He is Our Hiding Place (v1-2)
The imagery at the beginning of this Psalm pictures the writer being literally over-shadowed by God—as their dwelling! This is a person who literally cannot get enough of God! Notice here how the focus is not on what they get from Him, but on being literally hidden or enveloped by God. There is no one they trust more and no place they’d rather be. This type of desire is born out of experience and answered prayers (provided needs). When we had new foster kids would arrive, they would find their hiding place (comfort area) and see how the other kids were and then get comfortable with us because they saw how the girls are. Pretty soon, that trust in the girls’ experiences becomes their own and they would fully open their hearts to us. We weren’t just a food source, but parents in their eyes.
He is Our Footing (v9-12)
Being able to supply needs is a great thing, but that’s only the beginning. The imagery in the Psalm transitions towards phrases of protection and security. A place where a person becomes invincible and able to move forward without fear or dread. COVID destroyed young adults’ ideas of invincibility. It’s sad to see, but it’s reality. We may think we are invincible on our own, but we need a firm footing. God is our lighthouse. Lighthouses are built to withstand the harshest of storms, providing protection on the inside while still able to shine brightly. As we deepen our trust in God and can begin to step out in faith, we can live in dependence in Him as we navigate our own adventures, knowing that our footing is secure.
He is Our Satisfaction (v14-16)
Satisfaction is an interesting word. While it is used today to mean happiness of a sort, its original meaning refers to payment being made. This is the imagery at the end of the Psalm. God will satisfy us with salvation; make good on His promise. His promise of salvation means an eternal life in His presence, thus He is our satisfaction. It is Him we get in the end, not just the things we ask for. However, scripture says He takes care of our needs in the present day – consider healing and how with Peter’s MIL we see that Isaiah was prophesying about physical healing. Also consider George Meuller, the German born orphan house director who trusted in God on a literal daily basis for their needs. Never did they ask for financial help or go into debt. God supplied everything! Jehovah Jireh means provider – which is exactly who He is and He does this se we deepen our trust in Him!
Next Steps
As we experience His goodness towards us, we transition away from following God because of what He supplies and follow Him for Himself. We exchange the rewards for the actual, living prize – God! Because we want Him and nothing else. Is there anything more important than Him in your life? If so, it’s a snare that can trip you up. Let’s practice together making ourselves more dependent on God.
- In your prayers this week, try to not ask for things, but ask for a deeper connection to Him. Journal your experiences.
- Memorize Psalm 46:1-3 and seek scriptures of His faithfulness.
- Discuss with friends the ways in which you have seen God provide for you in this life.
The more we focus on Him, the more we will experience His satisfaction, but that is only the by-product. He is what we really get.
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