Begin with two minutes of silence and stillness before God.

After our look at Revelation this week, we will end up with a look at a couple of chapters in the book of Psalms, 91 and 92, that are so timely!                       

Today, people often build “safe rooms” in homes and install sophisticated security systems to feel protected. But even the best technology can’t shield us from anxiety, illness, loss, or fear. Psalm 91 is God’s promise that the safest place isn’t a location, but a relationship where you dwell with Him, not just visit. Dwelling implies staying. Remaining. Abiding. 

Think of your smartphone. When it’s not connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, it’s limited in what it can do. Likewise, we often only “connect” with God on Sundays or during crises. Psalm 91 calls us to constant connection...to live in God’s presence daily, not just visit occasionally. How can we do this? Let me give you a couple of ideas: 

Start your morning by praying Psalm 91 over your life, family, and day. 

Set phone reminders at random times to remind you: “I dwell in the shelter of the Most High.” Have some fun with this! 

Right after the shelter of Psalm 91, Psalm 92 begins with praise. Why? Because when you realize how safe and secure you are in God, praise is the natural response. “It is good to give thanks...” Not just when things are good. It’s good to be thankful even when things aren’t. 

Picture yourself driving through a terrible thunderstorm. Windshield wipers on full blast. Hoping you don’t hydroplane. It’s tense! But then you pull under a gas station canopy, safe and dry. The storm still rages, but now you can rest, hear yourself think...and even turn on the music. Psalm 92 is that canopy moment. Life still has storms, but you’re under God’s cover.   

Here are a couple of ideas to create those “canopy” moments: 

• Create a gratitude journal. Write 3 things you’re thankful for daily. 
• Make worship music part of your environment: while driving, working out, walking, or cleaning. 
• Instead of complaining in the midst of difficulty, say aloud: “Lord, it is good to give You thanks, even now.” 

Psalm 91 is about trust. Psalm 92 is about testimony.  When you trust God for protection, peace follows. And that peace produces praise, even when things aren’t perfect.  

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises?
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you?
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.

James Weekly Verse Challenge:

Want to go beyond just reading God’s Word? Want to take action? As we study the Book of James in the “Faith That Works” message series, we encourage you to do more than read the theme verse. Each week, we challenge you to memorize the verse and put it into action. Beginning Monday, October 6, we will text the weekly verse on a downloadable wallpaper on Monday mornings. Download the mobile wallpaper to your phone and memorize the weekly verse as you strive to live it daily. 

Text “JAMES” to 601-299-4493 to receive each week’s theme verse.