I initially wrote this in response to a question posed by one of the women in a Bible class I taught a couple years ago.
Psalm 91
v Why do you think someone might think that God does not keep His promises? Some say, “People suffer, even people who love God and in our eyes serve Him well.” or “We pray and pray and He doesn’t seem to rescue us.”
Sometimes when we read scripture and it seems contradictory we can be sure of one of two things. God’s Word is inerrant in the original text so either our translation is in err or our understanding is in err because God cannot err. His Word is true and infallible, but we as fallible beings do err in our dealings with His infallible Word. So when we inspect this scripture that has brought hope to millions, we will look at the context of the time of the author, who the author is addressing, what it meant to the first receivers of the song and what is the meaning of the text for us today.
v When reading Scripture that seems contradictory, what are some things we can do to resolve the doubt? How might you study the passage?
First consider the context of the passage then ask yourself some questions:
Who is being addressed?
What were their circumstances?
What was the orignal understanding at the time?
What is God telling us today?
Context: This Psalm was composed by Moses at the beginning of the 38 years of wilderness wandering, it was also during this time that the Pentateuch was written, the Law, much of which were rules intended to preserve the nation. Paul says if it were not for the Law I would not have known what sin was. The Law reveals our depravity. And the nation of Israel was walking through that revelation and subsequent guilt from rebellion towards God.
We have looked at God’s sovereignty and how important that truth is. Because if I am not convince that God is sovereign, then His promises will mean nothing to me. In fact I might even observe that God doesn’t keep His promises because my understanding of God is superimposed with my experience with man. Man fails, doesn’t keep promises and really has no power to ensure that any promise is kept. We wrongly transfer those weaknesses of man onto God, but God is not limited as man is. He is perfect love, complete, lacking nothing. The promises of God are identical with His character, to us as temporal beings, they are a revelation of the character of the Most High.
Even John Calvin at the time of severe persecution of the Protestants in Scotland created liturgical versions of this Psalm as a comfort. How did he find comfort in this Psalm when it didn’t seem to be true for his own life? Could it be perhaps because Calvin had an understanding of the whole picture?
So let’s look at the Big Picture!
Psalm 90 focuses on man’s brevity, the fallenness of man, the spiritually dead, the state of existence every human being is born into.
Then Psalm 91 speaks of the hope salvation in the Lord, the gift for those who receive forgiveness.
And Psalm 92 praises God’s omni-benevolence, why a good and holy God can love a sinful and rebellious people.
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Who is the receiver of these promises?
Verse 1 introduces a key characteristic of the intended audience. Who is the receiver of these promises? He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High. This opening is a confession of faith, “If you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, then you will be saved.”
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What do the names of God reveal of His character in this passage?
Most High – whenever a name of God is used, it is a reference to that unique character trait of God that the passage reflects, in this case Adonai demonstrates His sovereignty
Almighty – Shaddai, demonstrates God’s power
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What is unique about a person who dwells in the shelter of the Most High?
Verse 2 is a revelation of the character of such a man. Instead of “I will say” the passage should read “He says”. Someone who trusts and reveres God, finds comfort within His presence.
Verse 3 – “fowler’s snare” – capturing birds for food and other uses was a very popular method of employment, the traps were everywhere, temptation is everywhere. Falling into temptation is easier than avoiding personal sin.
“pestilence” – A literal translation would be “plagues of mischief” referring to the consequences of sin as a result of living in a fallen world.
Verse 4 – the word translated “shield” in this instance is “buckler” which is a type of round shield that surrounded the soldier protecting him from all sides.
Jesus says, in Mt 23:37-39
Part 2 will address the difference between enemy oppression and enemy opposition and how the hope of heaven drives us to persevere when our circumstances offer no visible hope.
Father God,
Crave 
Hey friend. I love that scripture. I know I struggle with why God doesn’t “protect us” (in the way that we may like Him to) in some circumstances. But he doesn’t promise that we will be problem free here on earth. Just when we get to eternity (if we are believers). I have seen Him swiftly come to my aid when I have been spiritually attacked. All you have to do is ask and the devil will flee from you. A lot of things that we want protection from are our consequences for stupid decisions. Other things are not.
Whatever happens, good or bad….God is still good. That has not changed.
GOD DOESNT PROTECT US BECAUSE GOD IS A NONEXISTANT A******!
Scott-
Your comment was editted for vulgarity. If you wish to participate in discussion here, I require irenic behavior.
In response to your comment: I find it very amusing that people who curse a “non-existent God” must climb upon His lap to slap His face. Do you feel silly insulting the air?