Ask a church gathering, “What’s your favorite psalm?” and many folks will name #91 for its reminders of God’s goodness and power.
They’d be in good company. The great theologian, Charles Spurgeon wrote:
“In the whole collection there is not a more cheering psalm,
its tone is elevated and sustained throughout,
faith is at its best, and speaks nobly…
He who can live in its spirit will be fearless” (1).
That fearlessness would certainly be encouraged by the eight promises of verses 14-16:
Note that God promises:
Rescue, protection, and deliverance (vs. 14-15)—not from trouble, but through it. He does not promise a life of ease and bliss. However, “the only things faithful people can lose in suffering are things that are finally expendable” (2).
Answers to every prayer (v. 15)—answers that always reflect God’s perfect knowledge of all things, his wisdom and grace, even when the answer is wait, or even no.
His steadfast presence (v. 15)—“Few delights can equal the mere presence of one whom we trust utterly” (George MacDonald).
Salvation (v. 16)—“I have summoned you by name; you are mine,” God has said (Isaiah 43:1). We belong to him, purchased at an exorbitant price: the precious blood of his own Son.
But upon first reading, one promise puzzled me, and another actually startled me.
First, the puzzle. In verse 16 God promises long life. And yet all of us have been devastated by lives cut short. How are we supposed to interpret this promise?
With a long view into eternity.
Once we experience the glory of God and his heaven, we’ll no longer be concerned about the number of days any of us spent on earth. We’ll only delight in the fullness of God’s presence and all the eternal pleasures he’s prepared for us (Psalm 16:11).
And then there is the startling promise: that God will honor us (v. 15), as in confer special esteem, respect, and distinction with deferential regard (3).
But he’s the one who deserves honor. Our God is all-powerful, all-wise, all-knowing, omnipresent and eternal—to name a few of his attributes. What could we possibly do to warrant his honor?
Not a thing. But scripture assures us: those who honor him he has chosen to honor in return (1 Samuel 2:30).
Imagine standing in the splendorous throne room of almighty God as he announces:
- The removal of your filthy rags of sin, to be taken as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12)
- The magnificent robes of His Son’s righteousness placed around your shoulders (Isaiah 61:10)
- Your official standing as his child (Romans 8:15-17)
- The privilege of companionship with him any time of day or night (Revelation 3:20)
- Tasks to provide purpose and satisfaction in life (Ephesians 2:10)
- Countless blessings to bestow joy and pleasure (Psalm 40:5)
- Eternal life granted through his Son Jesus (1 John 5:11-12)
These honors and more are the extravagant expressions of God’s infinite love for you.
https://www.azquotes.com/quote/1404884
An expanded excerpt from Ms. Smith increases the wonder:
Put together all the tenderest love you know,
The deepest you have ever felt,
And the strongest that has ever been poured out upon you,
And heap upon it all the love
Of all the loving human hearts in the world,
And then multiply it by infinity,
And you will begin, perhaps,
To have some faint glimpse of the love God has for you.”
–Hannah Whitall Smith
There are two caveats, however, presented in verse 14. These promises, including the conferral of God’s honor, are reserved for those who love him and acknowledge his name (affirm the reality of his attributes in their lives).
The psalmist is not talking about a warm, congenial feeling for God; he’s talking about a love put into action with trust and obedience.
As humans, our default mode is often self-reliance and independence. But what could be more sensible than to trust and obey One who is all-seeing and all-wise, who loves perfectly and honors lavishly?
* * * * * * * * * *
Oh, Father, how foolish I have been at times, willfully rebelling against your leadership. May I choose daily the place of honor you’ve sacrificially prepared for me by loving you wholeheartedly, trusting you for guidance, provision, and protection, and following your wise ways.
Notes:
- Charles Spurgeon, The Treasury of David
- Timothy Keller and Kathy Keller, The Songs of Jesus, Viking, 2015, p. 226 (emphasis added)
- Webster’s II New College Dictionary
Art & photo credits: http://www.flickr.com; http://www.canva.com (4); http://www.azquotes.com; http://www.pixhere.
From the Inside Out 
Thank you for this post, Nancy. Reading those words from Scripture confirms how special we are to him. It’s overwhelming to realise that God honours US. 🙌
Couldn’t agree with you more about feeling overwhelmed by his honor of us! So glad you sensed confirmation here for how special you are to him.
Good digging into this psalm. My favorite is 139.
Oh, yes–Psalm 139 also includes highly encouraging affirmations!
Hi Nancy … having just read Psalm 91 this morning, well, your post made me smile.
Kind of like a divine appointment …
How about that?! So glad this post made you smile, Linda. Praise God for his inspiration and timing!
Thanks Nancy,
I will never forget Psalm 91: I was in college and just got drafted in 1966 when I went home for Christmas break. When I got back one really lovely lady read the whole Psalm to me before I left for the service.
Sam
It is the perfect psalm to hold close in the face of uncertainty. Thank you for sharing its personal significance, Samuel!
I really enjoyed this post Nancy…I never realized the number of promises in just those couple verses… and yet those verses carried me through a very difficult season!! And I never thought about the long life in view of eternal life! Thank you for such an encouraging post!!
Praise God for the inspiring words of Psalm 91 that carried you through a difficult season, dear Lisa! I’m praising him you found encouragement here also.
Thank you.. as always food for my soul. Blessings ❤️❤️❤️
Zoey
Praise God you found food for your soul here! Thank you, Zoey.
Hi Nancy,
I am praying as the world denies Christ, we love Him more.
In Christ,
Gary
And may others see the results of that growing love and desire the same for their lives! Thank you, Gary.
I am in awe that the Lord honors me and treasures me as His child. And if I live wisely I can choose to live ‘fearlessly’ by taking Him at His word and holding fast to the many blessings I have received from Him here on earth and the wonderful future I have with Him for eternity, indeed for infinity and beyond. Beautiful post, Nancy!
Thank you, Cheri. I, too, am in awe of God’s honor and blessing upon my life. There are no words to express the wonder and gratitude!
“There are two caveats, however, presented in verse 14. These promises, including the conferral of God’s honor, are reserved for those who love him and acknowledge his name (affirm the reality of his attributes in their lives).
“The psalmist is not talking about a warm, congenial feeling for God; he’s talking about a love put into action with trust and obedience.”
Nancy, I am so glad you pointed this out. So many people these days want to claim the promises of God without looking at to whom these promises are given. Too many people want the resurrection without first death to sin. They want the blessings of God in their lives absent of obedience. And it just doesn’t work that way, for scripture teaches that to love God means we walk in obedience to his commands.
Amen, Sue. Some folks have the wrong idea about obedience, thinking that living God’s way will be stifling, joyless, and constraining. But the opposite is true! When we follow his precepts, God offers freedom from the dire consequences of sinful choices, freedom from foolish choices, and freedom from guilt–among other blessings. “Great peace have those who love [God’s] law, and nothing can make them stumble” (Psalm 119:165). My prayer echoes the same psalmist’s: “Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me” (v. 133). I know you feel the same!
Amen! Thank you, Nancy. I appreciate this!!