God’s Promises Protect

God has given us thousands of promises in the Bible to bless and protect our lives. However, many of His promises come with conditions. One powerful example is found in Psalm 91:

Dwelling in God’s Presence for His Protection

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1)

This verse outlines a key condition: we must dwell in God’s presence. Dwelling isn’t just about attending church once a week- it’s a lifestye. It means we stay in constant communication with God through prayer. All throughout the day we can be sending up prayers to the Lord, asking Him for help, thanking Him when we complete a difficult task and things went well. It’s as if He is living life with us because He is! When we keep in mind the Holy Spirit, which is God- lives within us and knows what we are going through it’s easier to constantly communicate with Him through our prayers.

Similarly, when we read the Bible, we should study it as if looking for a pearl of great price, that nugget of wisdom that will help make our lives better. When we come to a verse or a story and don’t understand why it is there or what we should take away from it, ask the Holy Spirit for revelation- and it will be given.

“If you seek me with your whole heart you will find me.”(Jer 29:13)

Then we use the knowledge we have learned to navigate through life both in the good times and the bad. This is abiding with the Lord.

God’s Protection Comes with Direction

God’s promises of protection always come with clear guidance. Psalm 91 states that if we dwell in Him, we remain under His shadow-a place of divine safety.

Consider the story of Jonah. God provided a leafy plant to shade him from the scorching sun after his trip to Ninnevah. In the morning the leafy plant withered.

“Then the Lord God provided a leafy plant and made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort… But at dawn the next day God provided a worm, which chewed the plant so that it withered.” (Jonah 4:6-7)

“But the Lord said, You have been concerned about this plant though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight.And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?” (Jonah 4:10-11)

Jonah was left in the hot son when the plant withered and he was extremely upset. He seem to care more about a temporary plant than the 120,000 souls in Nineveh. He had misplaced priorities. He chose to step away from God’s purpose—and thus, away from His protection.

Just like Jonah, if we ignore God’s direction, we risk stepping outside of His divine covering. God doesn’t move away from us—we move away from Him.

How God Protects Us

Psalm 91 reveals multiple ways God shields His people:

He delivers us from hidden dangers: “He will save you from the fowler’s snare” – a metaphor for traps set by others.

He protects us from disease: “He will save you from the deadly pestilence.”

He will provide divine security: “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge.”

Angel armies will be sent out for us: “He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

When we live in obedience, God places a shield of protection around us ensuring no harm overtakes us.

Loving God Activates His Protection

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.” (Psalm 91:14)

Loving God isn’t simply emotions-it’s obedience. When we honor Him with our lives, He rescues us, protects us, answers our prayers and satisfies us with long life.

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.”(John 14:15)

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome”(1 John 5:3)

What we learn from Psalm 91 is that our salvation is not simply a place in heaven when we die. It’s about being saved by God daily, who leads us through every challenge. When we stay in His presence, we remain under His shadow, covered by His unfailing promises.

God’s Promises Can have Conditions

Psalm 91 shows us that some of God’s promises are conditional. When we dwell in Him, trust His direction, and love Him wholeheartedly by our obedience, we activate His divine protection in our lives.

You and I would do well to ask ourselves daily: Are we dwelling in God’s presence?

Psalm 91 reminds us of the importance of staying close to the Lord. It is only in His presence that we find true protection, lasting peace regardless of our circumstances and a deeper understanding of His Word- along with the wisdom to apply it. God’s wisdom is our weapon to apply to all of our challanges- prayer is warfare and we overcome every time dwelling in the presence of the Lord!

Food For Thought,

Lisa

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