Divine Protection
Central Thought: From everlasting to everlasting God’s protection is assured.
Text: Psalm 91:1-16
One big problem facing our generation today is insecurity. This has generated fear and panic among the citizens of nations, towards the end of each year. Many people find it difficult to sleep with two eyes closed. Others seek protection from spiritualists, occult people, and false prophets, etc., because of fear of being killed, harmed or used for end of year sacrifice. However, those that know the power of God seek Him for protection. In this study, we shall be looking at God’s provision for our freedom from fear, and deliverance from harm and danger.
1. What do you understand by “Divine Protection”?
The word DIVINE relates to or coming from God, supernatural power or deity. PROTECTION refers to the act of protecting or being protected and preserved from injury or harm. Therefore, DIVINE PROTECTION means the act of being protected and preserved by a supernatural power or deity, i.e., “The Almighty God.”
2. Highlight some of the measures that man always puts in place to ensure protection.
Some measures always put in place by man to ensure protection could be physical or spiritual. These could be in form of personal gadgets, iron protectors in the home or the use of security personnel. Many people believe that without some ‘spiritual back-ups’, their lives are in danger hence they seek such powers outside that which only the Almighty God can give. Scripture says, “. . . except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”, Psalm 127:1.
3. What should be the Christians attitude towards these measures? Psalm 20:7, 127:1-2
A true believer is not expected to seek help or protection outside God or put his confidence in other things as they are all manipulated by the devil. Our attitude should be to have confidence in God’s ability to save and deliver us because all creation is subject to the Creator.
4. What do you understand by, “the secret place of the Most High”? Psalm 31:20, 91:1; Colossians 3:3
The secret place of the Most High is a place where God’s presence is. It is His pavilion; His shadow, wings, feathers, palms of His hands, Isaiah 49:16. Jesus came as Emmanuel, “God with us”. He said while on earth, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”, Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5. It is a great privilege to be protected by the Almighty God. Those under the supernatural power of God need not fear any evil but only trust Him for His ability to keep them that come to Him.
5. How can one make the Lord his dwelling place? Psalm 33:18; 34:15
Man was secured in God’s presence at creation. Sin made a separation between man and God but before He pronounced judgment on the man, God made provision for his salvation, Genesis 3:15.
For one to make the Lord his dwelling place, he must have to be born again. The new birth (not church membership) guarantees man the privilege of making God his dwelling place, 2 Corinthians 5:19.
6. Identify what God has promised those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High. Psalm 91: 3-4
“Surely, He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers and under His wings shall you trust: His truth shall be your shield and buckler”.
Why some believers run from pillar to post looking for protection today is either because of fear of the unknown, fear of the devil and his cohorts, ignorance of the word of God, lack of confidence in His promise or due to disobedience to God’s word. Confidence in God’s ability to keep His own guarantees peace. God is sovereign; He controls the history of the world (our lives inclusive). Just as Jesus calmed the waves, He will calm whatever storm that comes across our ways.
7. Read Psalm 91:5-8 and discuss the results of abiding in the secret place of the Most High.
“You shall not be afraid for the terror by night; or for the arrow that flies by day; nor for the pestilence that walks in darkness; or for the destruction that wastes at noonday. . .” There is safety in God for those who put their trust in Him and abide in His secret place. Exodus 23:22 says, “But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.” God’s presence is always with His people so long as they obey His voice. He is not a respecter of persons.
8. What can we do to break the grip of fear in our lives? Psalm 23:4; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 Peter 5:7-9; Proverbs 4:20-22; Ephesians 6:10-18
For us to break the grip of fear in our lives, we should put our confidence in the God of creation, ‘whose eyes go to and from the whole earth’, to keep us from every evil. This can only be possible if we surrender our totality to Him not just becoming a church member because God is not a respecter of persons. Fear has torment and God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, of love and of a sound mind. It is the presence of sin and ignorance of God’s word in one’s life that majorly creates fear. So believers should put on the whole armor of God and consistently study and believe God’s word.
9. What has God put in place to ensure our protection? 2 Chronicles 16:9; Psalm 34:7, 91:4, 11-16; 2 Kings 6:16; Colossians 3:3; Ephesians 6:13
God has from the beginning put in place divine protective measures to ensure that His children are protected from Satan’s destructive hand. In the first place, the eye of the Lord (who created the world) goes through it to protect His own. The angels of the Lord encamp round about them that fear Him. He covers us with His feathers/wings.
In addition, the name of Jesus, His blood and the rod of our testimony help us to overcome the wicked one, Revelation 12:11.
Daily Living Application:
God offers protection against physical and spiritual attacks at all times, in all situations, for His children. The condition is that we put on the whole armor of God that we may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand. God is omnipotent and has all powers to destroy the works of the enemy in the lives of all that trust and obey Him. Therefore, let us trust in God’s power, as this will prevent fear and panic which are some of the weapons of the enemy.
Memory Verse:
Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”