Hi Moms – WOW – There seems to be a spirit of fear running rampant, not only across America but the whole world as the coronavirus spreads and we face a pandemic. Are your kids nervous? Are you challenged with how to create an atmosphere of calm and safety in your home while being bombarded with new social guidelines and financial challenges?
We want to be SMART and follow all the guidelines – but at the same time – we do not need to operate in fear.
The Bible is full of promises for protection – but how do we apply it? Now is the time for us to practice Kingdom Living and practice what we believe. Let’s unpack Psalm 91 together and then later – go have some fun unpacking it with your kids.
I used to think of Psalm 91 as the soldier chapter – but it is also apropos for us – today!
Vs. 1 “We who dwell (live) in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the almighty.” This first verse is full of the promise of protection. Notice the condition. – Dwell in the shelter of the Most High. How do you do that? Ephesians 2:6 says that we are seated with Christ Jesus. Meditate on that thought.
Vs 2: I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” Notice the “to do” with this verse. You need to say it. You say what you believe. Even if struggling with the belief, purpose to say it and ask Him to help with the unbelief. John 8:32 says that the truth you KNOW will set you free. Get to know the truth of God’s Word and believe it!Vs 3 “Surely, He will save you from the fowlers snare and from the deadly pestilence”. THREE times – pestilence or plague is used in the chapter. He will SAVE YOU from it – do you believe it??? Ask HIM for help on your unbelief -that’s OK!!
Vs 4 “He will cover you with His feather, and under His wings, you will find refuge, His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Check out Ruth 2:12, Psalm 124:7; 141:9, Luke 14:34, Psalms 18:30.
Vs 5 “You will not fear the terror of night nor the arrow by day.” Psalm 23:4. 2 Timothy 1:7
Vs 6 “nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.” TWO times pestilence and plague is mentioned. Day, night and midday – 24/7 protection coverage!
Vs 7 “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it won’t come near you.” Can you take that promise and run with it? SAY it – you have the power of life and death in your tongue. Proverbs 18:21
Vs 8 “You will only observe with your eye and see the punishment of the wicked.”
Vs 9-10 “If you make the Most High your dwelling – even the Lord who my refuge – then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. (home)”. Psalm 71:3. WOW – can you grasp that? the plague or pestilence or as we call it – the virus – won’t come near your home!! What is the condition?
Vs 11-12 “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Notice angels are plural and you are singular!
Psalm 34:7 says you have angels encamped around you. How many believers are in your family? Each one has angels (with an s) encamped around them. How many is that in your household? (lots!).
What activates angels? Psalm 103:20 – (His Word – so SPEAK the truth from His word – Claim Psalm 91)
The picture below is me teaching this to some kids. The kids in white represent angels. The girl with an S on her shirt – represents one human and the pillow on the floor represents a stone. They acted out the verse to instill the understanding that they are not alone and angels are helping them as they speak God’s Word.
Vs 13 “You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.” Luke 10:18-20
Vs 14: “‘Because he loves me,'” says the Lord, “I will reuse him I will protect him for he acknowledges my name.” Notice – the Lord notices your love and will protect you!!
1 John 4:19;5:3, John 14:23, Psalm 9:9-10
Vs 15 “He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.” HE RESPONDS to your prayers! Jeremiah 33:2, Psalm 50:5
Vs 16 “With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Proverbs 3:1-2
The promise of long life comforts me. How about you? Does this put the pandemic in perspective?
Moms – Each one of these verses is PACKED with a promise – read it – say it – build your faith.
We need to be smart and we need to practice what the authorities are asking us to do – but do it out of trust in HIM and not fear of the virus. God gave the Jewish people very strict hygiene laws that have protected them over thousands of years. We are all beginning to practice better hygiene – so that is good.
EVERYTIME you feel fear come on – quote one of these verses and remember – God did not give you a spirit of fear. It did not come from Him.
My grandkids enjoy Bible mapping. Print out Psalm 91 for each of them and do this:
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Use colored pencils and look for keywords & synonyms. Give each keyword their own color
- Circle words that need to be defined or studied deeper
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Personalize it
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Is there a promise to claim?
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Is there a sin to avoid?
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Is there a warning to pay attention to?
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Is there a command to follow?
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Is there an example to follow?
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Is there an example to NOT follow?
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Any new thoughts about – a. God the Father? b. God the Son? c. God the Holy Spirit?
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Kingdom of Light or Kingdom of heaven? Any fresh insight into Satan (the devil – the enemy….?) a. his deeds? b. His subtle devices
- List cross-references that are applicable.
- Make lists of Promises and conditions
- Application – Write down what it means to you – how are you going to apply these verses?
LORI JANE HENSLEY 