I’ve long loved the word translated “wings,” or “covering” to describe the Lord’s protective love for us.
It’s used famously in this psalm as
“under the shadow of his wings” or “under his wings you will find refuge.”
This week a mother Robin disappeared from the nest of baby birds, and one by one they fell out of the nest. My grandchildren tried to rescue them. The first two died, but the third survived through Lily’s patient “mothering,” getting up in the night to keep feeding her with worms she had dug up during the day.
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If you download the above you can see 10 seconds of Lily feeding her baby bird with a worm.
The Robin grew strong over the week, and yesterday, on her way back to Nebraska, Lily tearfully left her at a bird sanctuary in Green Bay, sacrificing her desire to keep her with her desire to give her the best chance. Watching this helpless bird all week made me think of how helpless we are without the covering and care of Jesus.
Another translation of this Hebrew word is “garment,” as in the metaphor is of a bridegroom “covering” his wife, as when Ruth asked Boaz to cover her with his “garment,” implying protection, provision, and love.
Our own Miriam remembered a story I told so long ago about my friend Jill, who lost her husband in a farming accident, witnessed by two of her four small children. They could not sleep at night, so she began to play this song for them, based on Ruth’s request that Boaz (a Christ figure) “cover her.”
See below for audio and transcript of Tim Keller’s sermon on Psalm 91.
https://podcast.gospelinlife.com/e/prayer-of-rest/
Psalm of Rest Transcript for 91
Sunday: Getting Started
1. What thoughts do you have on the above?
2. Do you have a God hunt from this week? Or can you share a time when God was with you in trouble and explain how He was?
Monday: The Text
3. Read Psalm 91:1-2. What is the psalmist’s relationship with the Lord? Do you think that is true of all believers?
4. Read Psalm 91:3-7
A. List the promises you find in this passage.
B. A friend pointed out that if we are to be delivered from the Fowler’s snare, it implies we have been snared. Thoughts?
5. Compare Psalm 91:8 with Malachi 1:5. This psalm has often been given to soldiers to pray. What thoughts or questions do you have?
6. Read Psalm 91:9-13 and list the promises. What comments or questions do you have?
7. Read Psalm 91:14-16
A. What conditions do you find?
B. What promises?
C. What does “I will be with him in trouble” imply about the whole psalm?
D. What comments or questions do you have?
Tuesday: The Claim and A Tangent from Dee 🙂
Listen and or read up to Misunderstanding of the Claim
2. As a young pastor what did he think about old people? What did he think once he became old?
3. What do you do when you become anxious over something?
4. What stands out to you from the section on “The Claim” from Keller and why?
5. Meditate on verses 1-4 and the metaphors of protection.
A. Choose one that particularly speaks to you and meditate on it longer, sharing at least 5 insights.
B. How does this speak to you in your life right now and why?
6. How is the metaphor of covering also used in the book of Ruth? Thoughts?
Dee’s tangent:
I found Craig Kenner’s book: “And Marries Another” helpful in contrasting “covering” with “dealing treacherously with your wife” (from Malachi). According to Levitical law, the husband is instructed to provide shelter, food, and marital rights (which Keener sees as love) for his wife. Abandonment, he believes, encompasses more than just walking out, but abuse, the lack of covering, and the opposite of protection. It is dealing treacherously. I realize this could be misused but would love your thoughts.
7. Do you think Keener is going too far and abandonment only means walking out? How would you advise a woman whose husband has not walked out or been unfaithful, but is abusing her physically or emotionally? Does she have scriptural grounds for divorce or just separation?
Wednesday: The Misunderstanding of the Claim (I)
8. Read this section and share what stands out and why.
9. What are some of the sweeping promises in verses 6-12?
10. What three reasons does Keller give that show us that reading this as if nothing bad will ever happen to believers must be a misunderstanding?
11. What part of Psalm 91 does Satan quote in Luke 4, and how is this a twist?
Thursday: The Misunderstanding of the Claim (II)
12. What stands out in this section and why?
13. What points are Keller making through telling the story of Joseph?
14. Tangent. In our discussion in our church, one man felt strongly that Keller was off base in saying Joseph was spoiled and shouldn’t have bragged to his brothers about his dream. Agree or disagree and why?
15. How does Genesis 50:20 help us get a better interpretation of Psalm 91?
16. How does Keller say Romans 8:28 is often misunderstood? How does the context help us read it correctly? (Romans 8:29)
17. What is his point about Luke 29:16-18?
Friday: The Take Hold of the Claim
18. What stands out and why from this part?
19. What insight does Psalm 19:15 give you?
20. How is our God different from the gods of other religions when it comes to suffering? How is this helpful to you?
21. The mother bird also represents substitution. How does Keller show this through Jesus cry in Matthew 26 (Oh Jerusalem…)?
22. What does the story of the calcified mother bird teach you? Has contemplating Jesus suffering on your behalf help you in any way? If so, be specific.
173 comments
This song by The Gettys “My Dwelling Place” based on Psalm 91 🎹🎵🎻🎶
https://youtu.be/eiuNq2OWgzg?feature=shared
After many months of waiting, tomorrow a judge in a small Montana courtroom will decide whether our grandchildren will live with their mom (our beautiful daughter) or their dad during the school year. I am needing to rest in the truth of this Psalm. Over and over. Your prayers are valued.
Dear Nila, I so appreciate the song and your heartfelt message. This mom and grandma holds your request in highest regard and pray your waiting will end in joy. Much love. ❤️
Oh, Nila. I have been praying for you and I will continue to pray for the decision of the judge tomorrow.
Lord, have mercy on these precious children, I pray. Father God, be very present in this court room tomorrow and give this judge Your heavenly wisdom for the lives and futures of these little ones, who You hold in Your heart and hands. Cover them with your wings and give them safe and secure refuge, away from harm, and in the safe haven of their mother and grandparents. Lord, hear our prayers.
(This strikes such a chord in my heart, as we went through this with our (originally my husband’s) daughters. They have been one of the greatest treasures in my life and I thank God for them. ) My hearts aches with you and I pray!!!
Nila, what a beautiful song. I’m praying for your family. I can testify that a horrific car accident, multiple injuries, and my parents subsequent divorce turned our family to the Lord. Still waiting for my mom and sister to surrender. These trials are life changing, for the good or bad, ultimately in our father’s hands.
What a testimony, Chris! Amazing how our God can even take the worst things and bring joy.
I AGREE WITH THE PRAYERS HERE — AND THANKS FOR THE BEAUTIFUL SONG.
Yes, Thank you for this great link!
Agree with these prayers. Lord, may Nila sense Your Presence and see Your hand work to bring the care and healing this needs.
Oh Nila, I’m standing in agreement with you and all these beautiful ladies that God’s wisdom and His justice will prevail and for the kids to be placed where God wants them to be. Hugs.
Praying, Nila. I know these children and their welfare are so much on your heart. Our Good Shepherd knows and hears and is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask of even think. Please keep us updated.
Nila, praying for the grands and your family. I SO get this. 🙏🙏♥️♥️
Nila, thank you for sharing the song and your testimony of trusting in the truth of this psalm for your daughter and your grandchildren.
Ladies,
Thank you for your love and support here. Our daughter was articulate and calm. But our deep concerns remain. The judge said he would have a decision possibly within a week. Thank you for continuing to pray with me and for your beautiful and encouraging words here.
1. What thoughts do you have on the above? I love the tenderness and patience of your Lily with that bird What a blessing to see.
2. Do you have a God hunt from this week? Or can you share a time when God was with you in trouble and explain how He was?Last week I was humbled by the explanation of my sin against God and I think I commented on the quote the greatest act of love was that Jesus stayed on the cross. I have listened to this week’s sermon and a similar comment brought tears to my eyes. I feel His tenderness and nearness. Dear Lord, create in me a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Amen to this beautiful prayer, Judy. Dear Lord, create in me a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Judy, I was struck by the same quote that Jesus stayed on the cross from last week’s study. It was a very humbling week to be reminded that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. And to stop blaming others or my circumstances for my self-will and self-assertion.
I sent your remark to Lily, Judy. She’s still grieving but can call the sanctuary this week to find out how “Brownie” is doing.
Sunday: Getting Started
1. What thoughts do you have on the above? – What a precious heart Lily has. To take something so small and innocent and care for it as her own, knowing that she was not going to be able to take care of it after she left Wisconsin. Her concern was for that little bird and not how her heart was feeling. God sees these little acts of kindness and how we put our feelings to the side and lift up those who are hurting. That little bird won’t remember what Lily did, but God sees, and she was obedient in showing what true godly love is.
2. Do you have a God hunt from this week? Or can you share a time when God was with you in trouble and explain how He was? – I’ve struggled a lot as a single mom and God has always been there, so now, when things are a bit rough with the unknown of Joe’s PSA level continuing to rise with no plan in place yet, God has me wrapped in his arms. I have peace about the unknowns and the prayers that are being said by friends and family help encourage me and Joe as we wait. It’s God’s peace that surpasses all my doubts. And just like he’s been there in the past for me, I know without a doubt he is here with us now and will continue to be with us as we move forward.
Praying for the situation with Joe, Julie, and that the Good Shepherd will hold you extra tightly in this time of uncertainty.
I join Missy in praying for you and Joe, dear Julie. May our Mighty God shelter you under His wings.
Julie, I sent your sweet comments to Lily too!
Julie, I am fb messaging you. ♥️
julie, I continue to pray for you and Joe as you await a plan for his care. God is with you!
1. What thoughts do you have on the above?
I am so touched by the sweet way Lily touched this baby bird’s mouth, to get it to accept the food. Spending a lot of time to care for another with such love, is truly a gift from the heart. She loved the bird enough to let it go so that it could have the best life possible. So like a loving, good parent. So like God takes care of us and lets us go, so that we may learn to fly. So heart warming to see her heart for this helpless creature. Thank you for sharing this, Dee.
2. Do you have a God hunt from this week? Or can you share a time when God was with you in trouble and explain how He was?
I have so many notes and date written around this Psalm. The oldest date is 1988 and I remember how God sustained us, through what I thought was the worst trial we ever experienced. And I now see so much more clearly, how He really did sustain us. More than just sustain us, He walked with the through the valley of the shadow of death. No one died, yet there were times I thought that would be easier. Because we went through this very difficult time, we later made some important decisions that gave us some wonderful gifts that we would never have known, had my husband stayed where he was in his job. He had a renewed desire to be in a Christian environment and it led to a wonderful twenty years, in a much better place, where he could dedicate his gifts and his teaching to the Lord, in a much better way. (And we were able to work together!) How can I not trust our Shepherd! I remember that we prayed this Psalm so often, during that year. Praise God.
You need to write a book, dear Patti, of God’s amazing hand in your life through many trials and tribulations. I love to hear your testimonies!
Thanking God that my husband’s heart recognized that he needed to be out of a toxic environment. We had so many prayer warriors, as we navigated some difficult waters. Only God. Remembering hard times, gives me courage to go forward now. So thankful for all of the faith and courage I have learned for all of you amazing women of God on this blog. Praying for God to give you and your kids some extra special surprises after the disappointments on your vacation.
Love this testimony, truly a walk of faith, Patti.
Patti, I love how God always knows what is best for us.
It is amazing how writing down dates and our experiences with God buoys our spirit many years after they were written! 1988 is a poignant year for me as well. I can look back and see God’s hands in my circumstances. Thanks for sharing, Patti.
I wanted to give a testimony, if I may, of the ways of our Good Shepherd. How much I gleaned from our recent study of Psalm 23 with Philip Keller from a shepherd’s point of view!
I had planned a much needed vacation to my birthplace in Sarasota, Florida, two weeks ago. We were to stay for a week and enjoy our favorite place. My stress levels had been quite high and I felt like I would crack at times, but looked so much forward to this getaway with my children.
Working up to the last minute, I laid down at 2 am with an alarm set for 3:15 am so we could catch our early morning flight out of Virginia. I checked my phone one last time before closing my eyes and found to my horror that the airline had just cancelled our flight! I tried to rebook quickly, but something just did not seem right. I also had my eye on the approaching tropical storm brewing in the Atlantic and making headway toward Florida.
My children and I cried for 3 days as I desperately tried to find an alternative vacation spot on such short notice. I finally found a spot for 3 nights in the Outer Banks. At least we were at the beach, though not with our beloved palm tree landscape. But the tropical storm Debby followed us up the coast into North Carolina. My kids were massively disappointed and their words stung me and made me feel a little of how God feels when we complain and doubt His love and mercy. Though I was also sorely sad, it kept coming to me, “He prepares for me a table.” If we had made it to Florida, we would’ve been holed up in our hotel and unable to even get out to get food as the storm flooded all the beaches and made the roads impassable. I heard there were over 100 rescues made in Sarasota alone. How miserable we would’ve been! I could trace His hand of love in going before me, seeing the danger that lay ahead, and causing that airline to cancel our flight likely due to lack of staffing. The Outer Banks pales in comparison of gorgeous Sarasota, but He prepared us a table, a living illustration to us of how our Good Shepherd protects and shields us from harm in His will. We were safe, well fed, and even had some enjoyment along the way. I enjoyed being the unworthy vessel to teach my children to trust His heart of love toward His precious little lambs. He does all things well, even in our tears and disappointments.
What a beautiful testimony. Thank you.
What a story, Missy. Oh yes, He was sheltering you, but so sad for your kids. May they see His hand too.
Oh Missy! I love your testimony! I too was so touched by the shepherds view of the Psalm that I decided to re-read the book aloud, to my husband. I’m thankful that He prepared the table before you and you had an alternate vacay!
P.S. I’m from Orlando 😉. Happy homeland!
I bought and sent the Shepherd’s Look at Psalm 23 to friends. He’s going though a very rare treatment for saliva gland cancer and through that found out he had lung cancer. I’ve read and done a study on this book twice now and got so much more out of it the second time I felt I needed to send it to them so they can feel the presence of the Lord with them.
Oh, Missy! That is such a huge disappointment, yet our Good Shepherd protected you all from the storm. How I pray that one day you all can look back on this, as a miracle of protection.
Love this Missy. Our Protector!
Wow, Missy! I love how our Good Shepherd watched over you all and worked out the details for your safety. That is such a personal testimony that no one can take away from you. I hope the kids will see the wisdom you applied to your situation and the loving protection of God for you all.
Missy, I feel for you! Our family was in Isle of Palms last week; one son who lives in NC and his family, one son who lives in Guyana and his family, and our daughter and her boyfriend. I was so excited to have us all together, but we ended up with less than 48 hours together before we all split up due to the approaching hurricane as we were right near Charleston, SC. So we did spend 3 days in NC with our son and his wife and 2 boys, then we returned to the beach to spend 2 days with our other son, his wife and 14 month old boy. Our daughter and her boyfriend headed for hiking in VA. My heart was broken at first but I tried to keep all in perspective as I know people lost their lives during this storm. Keller’s book has still been ministering to me, too. Actually, the first time I read it a few years ago I didn’t pay much attention to it, but studying it here with Dee, it’s been much richer and deeper for me.
1. What thoughts do you have on the above?
We also had robins this year. The mother and father built their nest on our back deck and included garland that hung down all around it. The three beautiful blue eggs took about 1.5 weeks to hatch, and another 1.5 weeks until the babies flew away. It was a family affair watching them throughout the process from our dining table, out the bay window. Mom and dad were very attentive in their feeding. I prepped the kids as to the idea that the babies might not make it. We were elated as they all ended up flying away. We got to see the last one go. So sweet! I showed Grace the video you posted tonight. That was such love and care Lily gave the baby bird!
This Psalm is one of the original liturgical dances I learned way back 30 years ago. It is special to me.
2. Do you have a God hunt from this week? Or can you share a time when God was with you in trouble and explain how He was?
This week I was blessed by a sweet friend who helped me prepare to teach dance to a group of girls at our yearly VBS camp. Then, yesterday, I taught the dance and was blessed in the teaching itself. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the little children in our lives!
I love your sweet baby bird story, Laura! And I also loved seeing the tender care of Lily for the poor orphaned bird.
Love your bird story — didn’t think they could fly so soon! But Lily’s Robin did get fat fast.
I’m sure you blessed the children so with dance.
Oh, such a sweet story and a great experience for Grace. I know the girls at VBS camp were blessed by your dance, Laura. Thank you for sharing.
I don’t mean to monopolize, but God showed up for me so much on my recent attempt at a vacation with my children and I just wanted to testify of His goodness in the hard. I’m deathly afraid of bridges. My hands pour off sweat and I tremble every time I have to cross one, especially an unfamiliar one. There was no way to get my kids to the Outer Banks unless I crossed a bridge. Desperately trying to salvage our crashed vacation plans, I willingly traveled across the Wright Memorial Bridge. I know you will laugh at my foolish fears for this bridge isn’t even high, but it’s long and narrow and I always imagine that one wrong turn of my steering wheel will plunge us into a watery grave. Well, since our cottage was on the other side of the bridge, I actually had to cross that bridge many times in 3 days to take us to the beach! I sang my childhood Sunday School songs the entire way. Once I asked my daughter to read Psalm 103 and discuss it with me while we traversed the bridge one time when the wind was whipping a bit too much from Tropical Storm Debby. But when we finally left the beach for the 3rd day to travel back home to Virginia, the clouds suddenly became ominous, ready to burst upon us just as I reached the foothills of the bridge on the beach side. I had to cross it. I prayed, “Lord, just hold that rain back until I safely reach the other side so we can get home.”
But my Good Shepherd had more lessons to teach. He opened those pregnant clouds and the tropical storm wind and rain deluged the road. I was on that narrow bridge and literally could not see one foot ahead of me. All I could do was inch that car forward as I poured out my supplication earnestly, “Lord Jesus, save us! Help me!” The bridge seemed endless as I could not see where we were. It was such a living illustration to me of what it means to follow and trust the Good Shepherd when we cannot see the road before us. He goes before. And even if He gave us a watery grave, I knew He would safely bring me to dwell in His house forevermore. What hallelujahs escaped from my heart and lips when we finally reached the other side and the sun peeped out as we drove further toward our hometown in Virginia. I had learned a deep lesson which my feeble faith will surely need to re-learn many more times. How precious that He went before. All I had to do was follow when I could not discern my own path ahead.
Oh my goodness, Miriam. I identify. Oh my. such a story yet you had faith! Even though I walk through the valley or over the bridge of troubled water!
You also made me laugh out loud about monopolizing. Hardly.
Thank you again for your beautiful testimony. I’ve been walking through a terrible time the past 4 years and the tears are always near as I grieve the trials we are facing. It seems one trial after another and it is so hard to know more are sure to come. I have to remind myself of the past trials that the Lord used to draw us close to Him. It’s not always comforting as some trials seem as though there is no end. Looking for that rainbow after the storm and one closer than the eternal one we long for. I keep looking for my Lord walking with me in my trouble, but as Keller says, sometimes he seems so far away. Sometimes the faith in this group is my best reminder that he really is near.
Chris it is so nice to see you back here! I’m sorry for your troubles in life. He is always near, whether we are aware or not. His ways are certainly not like ours. Crazy how it works, to me. I will not question. He knows best. Our trial of 8 years will be revisited in court on the 20th. Not looking forward to that, as pain, money, time, and relationships are all at stake. Ugh. Lord, help us all! 🙏🙏
Thank you all for your kind words and prayers. He does know best, but sometimes I do feel forsaken. I know His ways are higher and I marvel at the story of Joseph. He has ordained the trials I face and I’m looking for his leading in it all.
I’m praying for your situation Laura.
So good to see you back, Chris. I am so sorry for your on going trials. How I pray that the Lord will show you that He is with you. I so agree about this group. It has been such a constant encouragement to me too. Amen: Sometimes the faith in this group is my best reminder that he really is near.
Chris, I echo your words here, though I may not have the hard trials that you must have been going through the past 4 years! “Sometimes the faith in this group is my best reminder that he really is near. ” It is good to see you here.
Prayers you continue to know His Presence, peace, and know that He is with you as you face trials. Also prayers for wisdom.
I’m so sorry, Chris, that life has been rough for you for some time. I am praying for you just now and super glad to see you back on the blog as I had missed you for a while. I’ve been a bit hit and miss lately, so maybe I missed you earlier, but it’s always a big blessing to read your deep comments. The trials are pressing you so close to Him, and it shows.
So glad you came on Chris so we can surround you in prayer, as I see these sisters doing!
Missy!!! I also dislike bridges! I love your idea of singing and reading scripture while traversing them. We travel over the George Washington Bridge in NYC often, and I cringe each time. This past summer we drive a “back way” to avoid traffic (love Siri for those times!), and ended up on a very high bridge going from Virginia into DC/Maryland maybe over the Potomac? We got stuck in traffic on the bridge (UGH) and I just had to believe that God held us close. Terrifying. Thank You Jesus for holding Missy and her kids in Your loving hands.
Oh my goodness, Laura!! I avoid that particular bridge like the absolute plague!!! You are one brave soul!!
Missy, your stories of faith are so good! I am so afraid of bridges, that I had a hard time breathing when I read this!! Praise God that He showed you that He is there, even in the worst storm! I love this truth: All I had to do was follow when I could not discern my own path ahead.
ps: Love love love seeing you here posting.
I’m so thankful I’m not the only one!! It is literally one of my biggest fears in life!
You are not alone Miriam. I’m not a fan of crossing bridges either, now more than ever before.
I used to be driven over the twin bridges, The Sunshine Skyway, from Tampa into Sarasota as a child many times. It always caused fear as a child but it was easy to trust my strong smart Daddy to drive us safely over. Then one day, a tall boat knocked out one of the spans and multiple cars and even a greyhound bus plunged into the deep waters. One car hung off the bridge and the woman was spared. A few months later, I had to be on a greyhound bus at age 19 on the remaining span. Talk about terror as we all gaped at the broken span beside us! I’ve just never gotten over that terror and it follows me on every bridge to this day. We have lots of tunnels where I live, but they never bother me. Just the bridges! It makes me feel comforted that others have bridge phobias too! 😩
Oh my goodness, Missy. I remember crossing that bridge and being terrified.
Oh, Missy! you are teaching me how to deal with my phobia of heights! I watched the bouldering (climbing) Olympics and I can hardly stand watching the woman who won gold go as high as she was able to! My legs were shaking. LOL
Agree!!! Psalm 91!!!
Sunday: Getting Started
1. What thoughts do you have on the above?
—Being reminded of Jill’s story and the testimony of her life through her tragedy is a precious reminder of the good work God did in her life. I have not had occasion to cross paths with Jill for several years now since my Mom wasn’t able to attend church the last couple of years before she passed away in February as I would see her there occasionally. When my oldest daughter was in college she actually did some child care for Jill. What a sweet godly woman Jill is.
2. Do you have a God hunt from this week? Or can you share a time when God was with you in trouble and explain how He was?
—Several years ago I took hold of Psalm 91:1-4 and memorized those verses in the NLT version. That was just ahead of Covid in 2020. So when I contracted Covid very early on in the pandemic before very little was known about it there was a lot of fear amidst the shutdown happening. These were the verses that brought great comfort to my heart while I was sick. I recited them often at that time and felt the shelter and comfort of being under His wings. His faithful promises were an armor and protection for me.
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”
Psalms 91:1-4 NLT
After I posted my comments I took time to read all the above posts. Dee, I realized what sweet sharing resulted from the beauty of your introduction this week in sharing Lily’s experience with her little bird. It prompted incredible sharing of stories about life’s troubles and trials for many of here on the blog. I was so blest by the sweet prayers offered here and share in the concerns for you Nila and your family. And for you Julie with the unknowns of Joe’s health. Thank you Miriam for your testimonies of God’s good hand on you in tough situations these past few weeks. Interestingly I hate driving over bridges too. Patti, your testimonies of God’s faithful working in your life is so encouraging and worthy of praise to our wonderful Heavenly Father.
God has given us a sweet fellowship here.
Amen to those meaningful verses, Bev! Psalm 91: 1-4!
Amen to Patti’s comments about those verses, Bev!
Wow, Bev, that you also knew Jill! I would so love to meet her as she had to be one of the bravest women I’ve heard about in this lifetime. I wish she would write a book. It was also sweet to hear about how God used Psalm 91 in your life during your Covid illness. It’s so good to memorize these verses to really get them deep into our souls. Thank you for the reminder to do that.
3. Read Psalm 91:1-2. What is the psalmist’s relationship with the Lord? Do you think that is true of all believers?
The Psalmist considers Him his protector. I don’t think all believers (including myself) can see the protection God gives us. There is much to learn about God, as a believer, and time to become wise in the word also. The world is a place “in your face,” where one forgets easily that God is with us.
It has only been recently, in the past 15 years or so, that I have been able to fully trust that God is watching over me in every thing I do. I believe it fully now, in my life.
4. Read Psalm 91:3-7
A. List the promises you find in this passage.
He will rescue, protect, cover, shelter you. He is faithful, and evil will not touch you.
B. A friend pointed out that if we are to be delivered from the Fowler’s snare, it implies we have been snared. Thoughts?
This world is full of traps, both mental and physical. Some are trapped in addiction, some are trapped in bad relationships, some are trapped in financial issues, etc. It is life. He is there to rescue us, if we are believers, and have faith that He will, and knows what is best for us. It may not look like how we think it should. It may even be awkward and seemingly wrong to boot! We must have faith that He is in control.
5. Compare Psalm 91:8 with Malachi 1:5. This psalm has often been given to soldiers to pray. What thoughts or questions do you have?
I suppose it encourages the soldiers that God is going to pay the debt that is deserved by the wicked. No matter what the end is, it will be fulfilled?
6. Read Psalm 91:9-13 and list the promises. What comments or questions do you have?
No evil, no plague, angelic protection, and strength to stomp on the fiercest beasts!
I have felt this protection in my life; unexplainable times when I have succeeded and shouldn’t have.
7. Read Psalm 91:14-16
A. What conditions do you find?
For those who love Him,
Those who trust Him,
B. What promises?
He will rescue them.
He will protect.
He will answer when they call.
He will be with them when they are in trouble.
He will rescue them, honor them, reward them with longevity, and provide salvation.
C. What does “I will be with him in trouble” imply about the whole psalm?
The implication is that when we are in trouble of sorts He is with us?
D. What comments or questions do you have?
I’m not sure that I understand this last question (C). Is that what you were looking for as an answer?
I was leaning toward the fact that He promises to be with us in trouble means to expect trouble, not, as Peter says, to be surprised by it.
Monday: The Text
3. Read Psalm 91:1-2. What is the psalmist’s relationship with the Lord? Do you think that is true of all believers?
—The Psalmist says being in relationship with God is a place of rest, refuge and safety and He can be trusted.
I think it can be and should be true of all believers. If it is not true it is because the believer has taken their eyes and focus off of God and the sin of doubt in Who God says he is to us will keep them from experiencing these things. God is perfectly faithful to do his part in the relationship. Believing and trusting God makes him real in our lives.
4. Read Psalm 91:3-7
A. List the promises you find in this passage.
—He rescues. He protects. He covers. He shelters. His Word provides armor & protection. We need not fear or live in dread because evil will not touch us.
B. A friend pointed out that if we are to be delivered from the Fowler’s snare, it implies we have been snared. Thoughts?
—The NLT says He will rescue you from every trap. I would tend to agree with your friend that it implies being rescued from a trap or being caught. I feel occasionally that I have been in situations that were not my choosing and I felt caught or trapped by the enemy wanting to trip me up in my walk with the Lord and trying to get me to question God’s goodness. In those times I need God’s rescue to move freely again in his presence and his will for my life. Perhaps an example would be getting sucked into a fruitless argument where my thinking gets derailed from what God would want and back on track to what his will would be for my life.
5. Compare Psalm 91:8 with Malachi 1:5. This psalm has often been given to soldiers to pray. What thoughts or questions do you have?
—Hmmm? I’ve never heard that before. As I think about it and look at the wording from the ESV I see it says you will “see the recompense of the wicked”. Both passages refer to the wicked. I do think that scripture makes it clear in many places there is and will be justice served and retribution will come upon the wicked. Both biblical and secular history is strewn with illustrations of ungodly and evil men who died ignoble and untimely deaths.
6. Read Psalm 91:9-13 and list the promises. What comments or questions do you have?
—There is a promise of being safe with God where evil and plagues cannot touch you. He promises protection in that his angels will physically care for and protect us. And we will be able to conquer and overcome threats to our safety.
The conditions for this to happen require putting ourselves in the close company of God. Evil cannot come into the presence of God and have any affect on us.
I do believe we all have angels assigned to us personally to care for us.
And Miriam when we are driving across bridges in blinding rain they protect us. 😊
7. Read Psalm 91:14-16
A. What conditions do you find?
—It is those who love the Lord and who trust in his name and call on Him who are rescued, protected and find that he answers them.
B. What promises?
—Promises of rescue, protection, answers, help in trouble, honor, long life and salvation.
C. What does “I will be with him in trouble” imply about the whole psalm?
—He never leaves or forsakes us at anytime or in any situation.
I never thought about the fact that there were angels holding my car and my shaking hands on the steering wheel! Wow! How special God’s lambs are to have such chauffeurs!
I think I messed up again in regard to Monday’s questions! I must have done something weird. 🙂 I’ll come back to it.
Come back! Love reading your posts, Rebecca!
Love Patti’s response to Rebecca.
Sunday: Getting Started
1. What thoughts do you have on the above?
I adored the short video of Lily feeding the baby bird…her tenderness and care so touched my heart. I have had the joy of helping baby blue jays, sparrows and chickadees stay safe in our back yard until they could fly and have been sadden by those who didn’t make it and have to bury them.
The other Hebrew translation for “garment” also stood out to me…love the picture of Boaz and Ruth.
2. Do you have a God hunt from this week? Or can you share a time when God was with you in trouble and explain how He was?
Jim and I were sharing with one another that we’re seeing a change in our youngest grandson with his anger. Neither of us had any idea that the other was praying specifically for little Micah in this area…God is good and I’m so thankful for a godly husband.
I love your God hunt, Sharon!! God is so good! I also love “garment”…..the picture of Boaz and Ruth. Always love your comments!
That’s great, Sharon. By the way, I am going to do Paige’s journey through Joshua and Judges beginning next month — I remembered Judges was Jim’s favorite book — so maybe he will watch too!
Yay!
Wow Dee…you have an amazing memory! I will sure ask if he wants to watch it with me as I think he will enjoy how Paige brings a deeper dimension to OT scripture.
3. Read Psalm 91:1-2. What is the psalmist’s relationship with the Lord? Do you think that is true of all believers?
The Psalmist has a relationship of dependence on and trust in the Lord. He stays in relationship with the Almighty, who is his safe place, his protection, his dwelling place.
4. Read Psalm 91:3-7
A. List the promises you find in this passage.
Our God is a shelter. He protects us from dangers, disease and traps of the enemy. He protects us from those who wish us harm. He covers us with His wings, as a shield, to protect us. He keeps us from fear during the dark times of our lives.
B. A friend pointed out that if we are to be delivered from the Fowler’s snare, it implies we have been snared. Thoughts?
There are many kinds of snares…these might be rabbit holes: We live in a world where the evil one draws us in with pictures of freedom of choice, what is best for us, and convinces us that our desires and fulfillments are what is paramount in this life. When our focus is on “self”, we become trapped in the Fowler’s snare. Self-fulfillment promises “happiness”; This is not the kind of joy that is found in God’s Word.
Another is the snare of leadership, who desire us to follow and put our trust in them; who make promises to a nation. We need to research the words of those who wish to ensnare us into an idealism, through lofty promises. We need to listen to credible sources and abide in God’s Word, to seek His discernment and not listen to those, whose enticements are not based soundly on scripture. ( this is getting more difficult in our world)
I think we can also be snared when we are attacked by someone, who commits an evil act against us….such as a threat, an accident, someone coming against us. The Lord goes before us and will protect our soul, from the snare someone else brings upon us. I am thinking of Chris and Nila, who are innocent, yet in a snare due to another’s actions. I see that as another kind of Fowler’s snare.
I agree so much with your answer to B. I do my answers first each day and then go back and read, looks like we have the same mindset.
Patti’s whole answer to B is sooo good.
Patti, Such good and thoughtful answers to B. Blessed by you input here. 💕
Thank you, thank you, Patti, for enlarging my understanding of the word “snare”.
Monday: The Text
3. Read Psalm 91:1-2. What is the psalmist’s relationship with the Lord? Do you think that is true of all believers? – He seems to be speaking from knowledge and that he knows that the Lord is his refuge, so his relationship with the Lord seems to be a close and personal one. I would love to think yes it is true of all believers, but sadly, now I don’t think it is. I think some of them have a sense of knowing Him, but truly don’t who and what the Lord is about. They don’t seem to grasp what His Word and Law is saying and think it is ok to do as they please, but in times of trouble still want the Lord to be their refuge. They pick and choose what they want out of His Word and make it apply to them. I know that I can interrupt the Bible in ways that others don’t see it, so it takes daily reading, searching and searching some more for me to dig deep and really know just who the Lord is to me and what he has done and will continue to do for me.
4. Read Psalm 91:3-7
A. List the promises you find in this passage. – He will save me from the trials in my life; He will cover me with His protection and be my safe place to run to always; I don’t have to fear because He provides all I need in Him; Death will not come to me, because in Him I have eternal life.
B. A friend pointed out that if we are to be delivered from the Fowler’s snare, it implies we have been snared. Thoughts? – My NIV Study Bible has a note that a ‘fowler’s snare’ is a metaphor for danger from an enemy. So in this context I would agree with your friend. The enemy is all around in many forms that we don’t even tend to realize. Things as simple as being on my phone, playing games too long. The bad habits I form, the attitude that is not loving and god like. To things that are much more serious, things I know I should stay away from but get pulled in by the enticing ads.
5. Compare Psalm 91:8 with Malachi 1:5. This psalm has often been given to soldiers to pray. What thoughts or questions do you have? – I’m thinking this is another warning to us of the end times to come? That we need to be observant and have wisdom and knowledge to know what we are seeing and what is yet to come. That we need to be ready and have a right relationship with the Lord, so we are only observing it with our eyes and not feeling any of the wrath that comes along with disobedience.
6. Read Psalm 91:9-13 and list the promises. What comments or questions do you have? – I see right off the bat that I, and all of us, have a choice to make. Will we follow Him? This is the deciding factor whether the Lord is our refuge, if we will have his protection over our life and whether we consider Him our safe hiding place. It all comes down to our choice that He allows us freely to have.
7. Read Psalm 91:14-16
A. What conditions do you find? – I need to love the Lord and call upon Him and acknowledge His name.
B. What promises? – If I love the Lord and call upon Him and acknowledge His name, he will rescue me, protect me, he will hear my cries and answer me. He will be with in in times of trouble and deliver me from them. He will give me a long life and show me his salvation.
C. What does “I will be with him in trouble” imply about the whole psalm? – At first I thought that he will be with me always, but I then had another thought that this is implying I will face trouble. Trouble will find me, but my God will walk with me through it all.
D. What comments or questions do you have? – Such a timely study for me. I’m not a Psalms fan, but these little insights that we have been doing has opened my eyes to see that there is hope in the Lord, there is protection and provision in the Lord. And, if I choose to follow Him, I will have all these things and more the rest of my life and after my last breath I will have eternal life with Him.
Sunday: Getting Started
1. What thoughts do you have on the above?
I love the example of Lily caring for that little birdling. The video is so heartwarming. How like our compassionate, Lord. Thanks for sharing the song, too, Dee. I remember that song and how it comforted me when my father passed away and then again, when my sister died.
2. Do you have a God hunt from this week? Or can you share a time when God was with you in trouble and explain how He was?
I have been experiencing a few disappointments with people lately. It seems like God is ever the closest these days comforting and encouraging my heart. And reminding me of the greater gifts He is giving me and not looking to people for approval and comfort. And the closer I commune with Him, the more sensitive I am to the pain of this world. But instead of leaning on my own understanding for answers to the why’s, I have been led to the rich promises of His Word. The pain is still there but it comforts me to realize that I am in lesser ways, sharing in the fellowship of His suffering. He is my Good Shepherd.
I have such similar needs right now and how God is helping you is encouraging to me too, dear Bing!
3. Read Psalm 91:1-2. What is the psalmist’s relationship with the Lord? Do you think that is true of all believers? He is close to the Lord and understands all he has by believing in Him. No I don’t I think for many of us there is a learning curve
4. Read Psalm 91:3-7
A. List the promises you find in this passage. He will save us from the fowler’s snare and from pestilence, He will cover us and we will find refuge. He is faithful to us and will shield us We don’t have to fear because we have Him as our protector
B. A friend pointed out that if we are to be delivered from the Fowler’s snare, it implies we have been snared. Thoughts? Think it could work both ways I think I will know in heaven how much He has shielded me, but I also think that He could deliver me out of my entanglement.
5. Compare Psalm 91:8 with Malachi 1:5. This psalm has often been given to soldiers to pray. What thoughts or questions do you have? They both speak of seeing the Lord’s deliverance from their enemies I think there is comfort in psalm 91. In the past we were asked to pray it over missionaries when Ebola was in Africa. 6. Read Psalm 91:9-13 and list the promises. What comments or questions do you have? There is an if but then no harm will befall you, no disaster, His angels will keep us and lift us up We will trample lions and serpents. I love this psalm but also recognize that harm still happens to people
7. Read Psalm 91:14-16
A. What conditions do you find? Because he loves Me, acknowledge His name, call upon Him,
B. What promises? Rescue, protection, answer him, be with us, deliver us, honor us, satisfy us with long life , show us salvation
C. What does “I will be with him in trouble” imply about the whole psalm? That we will not face troubles without Him. He will be with us through the storms of life .
D. What comments or questions do you have? That it’s easy to read parts and think it will be a trouble free life.
Why it is so important to read all of Scripture — there are parts that imply a trouble-free life!
1. What thoughts do you have on the above? What a wonderful song of peace for your friend Jill to find to play for her children in their time of distress.
2. Can you share a time when God was with you in trouble and explain how He was? When my niece died it was the most painful thing that I have ever endured ( I was her caregiver and second mother since the day she was born). During this time, I was constantly reminded of God’s faithfulness and love through songs, sermons and this bible study which I was invited to join about a month after her passing. It was The God of All Comfort and it was exactly what I needed. I still get emotional thinking about it, even though it has been 13 years.
Dawn, what a sweet testimony of how God met you in that so very dark hour and comforted your heart, even by guiding you to this Bible study blog group where they were working through Dee’s study, “The God of all Comfort.” Interestingly, I found that book study and used it in my ladies class at church. That made me look further into this awesome Dee Brestin and found this blog. I believe it was 11 or 12 years ago. I’ve lost track of time but am so blessed by this Bible study group immensely.
Missy, it has been my lifeline.
Such a grief, and such a good testimony. You love well, Dawn.
Oh, Dawn. Such a precious testimony to God’s faithfulness. Thank you for sharing this. I agree about The God of All Comfort. (Thank you, Dee)
Monday: The Text
3. Read Psalm 91:1-2. What is the psalmist’s relationship with the Lord?
The author is abiding/remaining in the secret place (the place of protection and covering) of the Most High. You have to be close to someone if you’re in their shadow and the author of this Psalm rests in the shadow of the Almighty. God is his shelter from danger and his stronghold. In God he trusts with great confidence.
Do you think this is true of all believers?
I believe this kind of relationship is available to all believers but this quote from Spurgeon is sadly the reality…”Every child of God looks towards the inner sanctuary and the mercy-seat, yet all do not dwell in the most holy place; they run to it at times, and enjoy occasional approaches, but they do not habitually reside in the mysterious presence.”
4. Read Psalm 91:3-7
A. List the promises you find in this passage.
* He will rescue us from every trap.
* Protect us from deadly disease.
* Cover us with His feathers.
* Shelter us with His wings.
* His faithfulness is a shield and a wall.
* You will not fear the terror of night, the arrow that flies by day, pestilence that stalks in the darkness or destruction that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand but…danger will not come near you.
B. A friend pointed out that if we are to be delivered from the Fowler’s snare, it implies we have been snared. Thoughts?
I think there are times that God can go before us and deliver us from becoming ensnared which means He saved us from the trap of the Fowler and other times He does have to pull us out of the Fowler’s snare.
6. Read Psalm 91:9-13 and list the promises. What comments or questions do you have?
If we make the Lord our refuge and the Most High our shelter…
* No evil will conquer you.
* No plague will come near your home.
* He will order His angels to us protect wherever we go, hold us up with their hands so we won’t even hurt our foot on a stone.
* We will trample upon lions and cobras; crush them under our feet.
7. Read Psalm 91:14-16
A. What conditions do you find?
Love the Lord, trust in His name, call on Him.
B. What promises?
* Rescue us.
* Protect us.
* Answer us.
* Be with us in time of trouble.
* Honor us.
* Reward us with long life.
* Give us His salvation.
C. What does “I will be with him in trouble” imply about the whole psalm?
It implies we will have trouble.
D. What comments or questions do you have?
None at this time.
Sharon, Love your answer to B. He sometimes protects ahead of the snare and sometimes has to pull us out!
I somehow skipped over this question🤦🏻♀️
5. Compare Psalm 91:8 with Malachi 1:5. This psalm has often been given to soldiers to pray. What thoughts or questions do you have?
Psalm 91:8. “Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished.”
Malachi 1:5. “When you see the destruction for yourselves, you will say, ‘Truly, the LORD’S greatness reaches far beyond Israel’s boarders!”
This is where I think giving verses here and there without the whole context can be so dangerous and misleading. I would like to know the reasoning for giving soldiers that verse. As far as Malachi, God is speaking to Israel of His unconditional love for them which they were doubting.
I appreciate your comments on 5., Sharon. Context is so important.
MONDAY:
Read Psalm 91:1-2. What is the psalmist’s relationship with the Lord? Do you think that is true of all believers?
The psalmist dwells with the Lord, and abide’s in His shadow. I take this to mean that the psalmist chooses to live with the Lord under his protection, submitting to Him and thereby receiving the benefits. I would say as believers, we all desire to be in this place.
4. Read Psalm 91:3-7
A. List the promises you find in this passage. Deliverance from traps of sin, covering and protection. Peace instead of fear, and security in the midst of danger.
B. A friend pointed out that if we are to be delivered from the Fowler’s snare, it implies we have been snared. Thoughts? All I can think of as I read this psalm is Corrie TenBoom. She spoke of a special protection which her family experienced during the time they were hiding Jews in their home and her awareness of when that protection ended. It was simply unexplainable how they had not been caught any sooner. Then when they were at the police station after just having been arrested, her father held devotions to the group from memory, quoting Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
5. Compare Psalm 91:8 with Malachi 1:5. This psalm has often been given to soldiers to pray. What thoughts or questions do you have? I keep thinking of how our human minds think of the physical world and how the scriptures point us to the spiritual.
6. Read Psalm 91:9-13 and list the promises. What comments or questions do you have? All the verses speak of divine protection because of our close relationship to the Lord-there does seem to be that requirement: “when he calls to me, I will answer him.” We are rescued when we call on the Lord. Again I think of Corrie and Betsy in the prison camps. They did see the Lord’s protection even there, and yet suffered greatly. We know from the story of Joseph that the Lord allows his servants to suffer at times for His purposes.
7. Read Psalm 91:14-16
A. What conditions do you find? Just answered these above.
B. What promises?
C. What does “I will be with him in trouble” imply about the whole psalm?
D. What comments or questions do you have?
I love the references to Corrie ten Boom and her family’s experiences. Great example of God’s heavenly hand.
2. As a young pastor what did he think about old people? What did he think once he became old?
He thought they worried too much. when he was younger he thought bad things don’t happen to anyone I know. As he grew older he realized in fact, bad things do happen to people. There is more time for these things to play out in your life. It’s a dangerous world out there.
3. What do you do when you become anxious over something?
I breathe deeply, and pray. I get to work doing things here on Earth that can help the situation, and give the rest to God since it might be a situation that is out of my hands.
4. What stands out to you from the section on “The Claim” from Keller and why?
I find it interesting that he refers to God as having a female aspect to Him in this passage. He covers us with His wings. That is what a mother bird does with her babies. Keller says he believes it is here to make sure we know that God is not remote as some fathers can be in life here on Earth. I have only heard Christians say that God is a male, not a female. In fact, because some churches have said this, they are regarded as being not really true believers; heathen, definitely radical. Keller doesn’t go as far to say God is female, but he gives this characteristic of God that is palatable.
5. Meditate on verses 1-4 and the metaphors of protection.
A. Choose one that particularly speaks to you and meditate on it longer, sharing at least 5 insights.
Verse three is speaking to me today. He will rescue me from every trap. Traps can be physical, as if I were trapped in a tight spot while hiking, or maybe a mental trap of continuing to think the same way over and over, when I should change the way of thinking. Rescue may not be quick and it may not play out the way I think it should. It does say He will rescue me from every trap. That means, if I put my trust in Him, every time I am in trouble, He will take charge. Wow. That is comforting.
The second part of the verse says He will protect me from deadly disease. To protect means that He will go before me, before I have the chance to be exposed to the disease, and shelter me from it. I can sabotage that, unfortunately though. That’s when I take charge and think I know what’s best for myself. We do have free will. But if we are believers then we can be assured that He is fighting the battles before we even know they exist.
B. How does this speak to you in your life right now and why?
Oh boy, does it speak to me. We have a battle next week and I am constantly battling idols. Thank You Lord for protecting me and going ahead of me to lay the groundwork for the future trouble I will have.
6. How is the metaphor of covering also used in the book of Ruth? Thoughts?
Ruth is taken care of by God through her relatives. It is a sweet story of how she so strongly believed that God cared for her and sure enough, she was blessed.
I like your comment that a trap can be a way of thinking…
5. Compare Psalm 91:8 with Malachi 1:5. This psalm has often been given to soldiers to pray. What thoughts or questions do you have?
This seems to be speaking to an individual, but also to a nation. Those who make the Lord their refuge, will be spared and kept safe from things that the wicked may experience. This might be attack or illnesses. Whatever is in my future, I want to put the Lord first, for His Word is what I want to live by. Those who do not put their trust in Him, are on their own. Definitely a difficult scripture to understand fully.
6. Read Psalm 91:9-13 and list the promises. What comments or questions do you have?
No evil will befall you. No plague will come near you. His angels will watch over you, guard you and protect your on your path. You will get through the evil and hard times without defeat.
I am thankful for God’s protection and promises; no matter our circumstances He will be with us through it all.
7. Read Psalm 91:14-16
A. What conditions do you find? I must truly love and trust God.
B. What promises?
Because I have loved and trusted the Lord, He will hear my voice when I cry out to Him. He will keep in His care because we have communion and a relationship. He recognizes my voice when I call out to Him, as I have called to Him in my Praises of Him, He will answer me in my trouble, rescue me and honor my prayer. He will assure me of my salvation.
C. What does “I will be with him in trouble” imply about the whole psalm?
Life is not going to be free of pain and sorrow. If I love God above all else in my life and totally trust Him with my life, He will always keep me under His wings in His care and His will. We are not promised that there will be no difficulty in our lives; Times will be difficult, there will be sorrow and much we do not understand, but He is always faithful.
D. What comments or questions do you have?
I need to get used to life being a roller coaster. I need to stay in the shelter of the Most High.
“I need to get used to life being a roller coaster!” So true.
2. As a young pastor what did he think about old people? What did he think once he became old? He thought old people worried too much about pretty much everyone and everything. Once he became older he started experiencing more life, bad things happened but it happened more and more and he learned that it’s a dangerous world and you can’t stop bad things from coming into your life.
3. What do you do when you become anxious over something? Honestly – Often I tend to freeze, then try to fix it to make the knot in my stomach go away (comfort/control idol). Then I turn to God and tell him what I’m struggling with, and listen to Him via His word..then eventually I rest in who He is and that He is in control over whoever or whatever I’m worrying about. Sometimes this takes a LONG time, and other times, not.
4. What stands out to you from the section on “The Claim” from Keller and why?
The word shadow is the same name as shade, and that it conveys many things regarding protection, but what stood out to me is it also conveys tenderness. God is shade and we can take refuge under his wings and not only find tenderness and compassion, but feel and sense it.
5. Meditate on verses 1-4 and the metaphors of protection.
A. Choose one that particularly speaks to you and meditate on it longer, sharing at least 5 insights.
What resonates with me is the assurance that He will rescue me from the evil traps of this life. He doesn’t promise these traps won’t come, and that I won’t ever step into one, but He does promise that when they do, or when I’m tempted to stray from the safety of His protection, He will warn me. If I listen and return to His shelter, He will keep me safe from being ensnared. For instance, if I’ve been wronged and feel a desire for revenge, satan might use that desire as a trap to lead me into destruction. I can either give in to that urge and let it harm me, or I can turn to Christ, finding comfort and protection under His wings. This might not be a good example, and I’m open to correction if I’m misunderstanding, but this is what stands out to me, given how He has shielded me from so many snares over the past few years.
B. How does this speak to you in your life right now and why? It’s so easy for me to run toward snares that seem like refuges, such as food, revenge, control, anger, or depression. There are many situations where these false refuges are tempting, but they only leave me empty, isolated, cold and unprotected. It’s troubling why I’m drawn to them, and it really frustrates me!!! But I’m deeply grateful that He has drawn me to Him, where I can find solace, burrowed against His chest and wrapped in His tender, warm, and protective wings.
6. How is the metaphor of covering also used in the book of Ruth? Thoughts? Ruth asks Boab to be her covering. She’s like the bird that Dee’s Lily nurtured. Kind of dropped out of her protective nest after her husband died, and yet God provided a covering for her in Boaz. Boaz represents God’s covering of us.
Dee’s tangent: I’m WITH YOU. See my tangent below. This is a tough and hot topic for me. 😉
7. Do you think Keener is going too far and abandonment only means walking out? How would you advise a woman whose husband has not walked out or been unfaithful, but is abusing her physically or emotionally? Does she have scriptural grounds for divorce or just separation?
YES.. a big YES for both divorce and separation! I’d refer her to Leslie Vernick first, and I have referred a few women I know. I’ve learned so much from Leslie. Depending on the situation we really have to listen to the Holy Spirit for wisdom when we counsel another woman who has a treacherous husband for he could be truly remorseful and desiring to change. It’s rare, but it could happen.
I’d start off asking her what is going on, then what she thinks God is telling her, or would want her to do. I don’t tell her to leave him unless there is danger physically and emotionally. I’d tell her to make a safety plan and if she isn’t in clear danger, the next time she sees him start to escalate into anger or yelling, remove herself from the home before he gets angry and to find safety elsewhere. Set boundaries!
If he doesn’t change or refuses to get individual counseling, or is faux changing just to reel her back in, she needs to separate. Ignore any rebuttals or judgments that may come from well meaning believers. They aren’t in your shoes. You don’t have to divorce just yet, just get safe. Remember, God wants you to be safe and covered. He isn’t for abuse and isn’t for a husband oppressing his wife. God doesn’t want a woman to stay in a harmful environment emotionally, psychologically, and/or physically.
If your husband doesn’t own up to his toxic behavior or blame-shifts, or doesn’t want to change, or says he wants to change, and doesn’t want to walk with or be patient with his wife as she heals from the pain HE caused her, then he isn’t repentant and there is no saving the marriage. Divorce is the most sane route a woman can take if her husband is showing no remorse or desire to change, or if he’s only charming her to get her back into the cycle of abuse.
I’d tell her to be on guard for she can be spiritually abused via well meaning believers, or by your husband using scripture to shame you for not desiring to be physically intimate with him even though his treacherous covering has left you cold and not desiring him. It’s insidious how many churches want you to stay married regardless, and the church needs to wake up.
Even though my marriage is better now, I still think it’s biblically okay to leave an unrepentant and/or dangerous husband. I’m staying well and have boundaries and he’s definitely changing and has willingly, on his own, gotten a lot of individual counseling which has helped. I’m in a healthier place overall, though I still have a lot of trauma I’m working through with a Godly counselor as well as trust issues that need to be rebuilt. I’ve been forgiven much by Christ, so how can I not forgive my husband and so I have, yet trust still needs to be rebuilt. Let me tell you, the healing is so hard and there are times I think I’ll never truly heal but I trust that God will take care of me regardless of the future, and I can hide in the shelter of his wings! I’m so grateful.
He is in the process of healing me, my husband, and our marriage and though healing can be painful, I’m grateful.
Rebecca, I love it when you show up and share your thoughts. You have experienced much and have much to offer. 😊
Thank you for sharing from your heart and experience, Rebecca. Your comment about spiritual abuse being insidious is so very true. I pray the Lord continues to bless and encourage you as you lean on Him.
Amen, Rebecca! I too have learned so much from Leslie and her coaches! Lots of things, like “forgiveness doesn’t necessarily mean trust….that needs to be rebuilt” and God cares about the woman as an individual and the marriage, saving it at all costs, is not more important than the physical and mental health of the wife. Love your thoughts here. As Leslie says, you are doing your work.
You have lived and studied this and are a wonderful counselor now, Rebecca!
Oh my did I go on a tangent! I just looked at the length of this, and lol. 😉
This is ALL excellent, not too long!
Oh, Rebecca. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences. God has allowed you to go through snares and you have learned so much about relying on the Lord, fully. You are blessing so many others. Love Leslie Vernick’s book on Destructive relationships. It has helped me see how my son needs true repentance in his heart, before our family can heal.
Thank you Rebecca for sharing what you have learned and how you would counsel other women in such a clear manner.
Tuesday: The Claim and A Tangent from Dee 🙂
Listen and or read up to Misunderstanding of the Claim
2. As a young pastor what did he think about old people? What did he think once he became old? – He had seen that old people worried a lot. They were anxious and worried about everyone, including themselves. He thought that worry doesn’t get you anywhere. It doesn’t solve or get anything done. Worry is useless. And he thought that bad things wouldn’t happen to him or those he loved. As he got to be older he realized how dangerous the world we live in really is. That there is nothing that we can do to stop bad things happening to us.
3. What do you do when you become anxious over something? – It definitely creeps in without me knowing. When I realize that I’m anxious, worried or upset, I finally get to the point to reach out to God for his help. For him to provide me with the peace that I need. For wisdom to know how to handle whatever it is at that time that I’m going through. I pray and give it to God.
4. What stands out to you from the section on “The Claim” from Keller and why? – We are reminded over and over again of God’s love and protection for us. But I really liked the explanation of God being compared to a mother bird. I had a father growing up that was very involved in my life and the lives of my sisters so to think of God as an unloving father doesn’t even come to mind. But my kids had a father that was not very involved and I could see how God shown as a loving father may not work for them. But to know that he protects and shelters us like a mother bird does for her young, clearly shows another picture, another side of God. This kind of reminds me of the movie The Shack. When I first read the book I was a little put off by it, but when I dug a little deeper and watched the movie, it made a little more sense. They portrayed God in the movie to a woman because the character could relate to that more since his memories of his father were not good. I like to think that God know what we need and will come to us in the form that will bring us closer to him and see him as loving and kind.
5. Meditate on verses 1-4 and the metaphors of protection.
A. Choose one that particularly speaks to you and meditate on it longer, sharing at least 5 insights. – Vs 4 “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” God will protect me. He will provide to me the shelter I need. He will be faithful to me and my needs. His shield of faith will be mine so I can stand steadfast on his word. He will put up a barrier (rampart) around me to make it hard for my enemies to get to me.
B. How does this speak to you in your life right now and why? – It is so helpful, to know that I can turn to him when worry, doubt or anxious feelings come in to my mind and he will provide what I need to find the peace that only he can supply me with. This reminds me that he is faithful and like a mother bird will protect me from harm.
6. How is the metaphor of covering also used in the book of Ruth? Thoughts? – Ruth is in a foreign land with people she does not know and she has come to trust that God will take care of her and provide what she needs. She is doing what she knows to be the right thing for her mother-in-law Naomi and God has seen what she has done. Her trust is in the Lord, it’s not in her plan, but in His.
Dee’s tangent:
I found Craig Kenner’s book: “And Marries Another” helpful in contrasting “covering” with “dealing treacherously with your wife” (from Malachi). According to Levitical law, the husband is instructed to provide shelter, food, and marital rights (which Keener sees as love) for his wife. Abandonment, he believes, encompasses more than just walking out, but abuse, the lack of covering, and the opposite of protection. It is dealing treacherously. I realize this could be misused but would love your thoughts. – I’ve read this a couple of times now and I can see where he’s coming from. When we enter in to a marriage, we have a covenant between the two people before God that we will protect, honor and obey in sickness and in health. So when a husband or a wife steps out of this covenant they are abandoning the other person. They are breaking the promise they made. The husband is to take care of the wife like the bridegroom takes care of the bride, the church. I can see abandonment here when one of these things is ignored or taken for granted.
7. Do you think Keener is going too far and abandonment only means walking out? How would you advise a woman whose husband has not walked out or been unfaithful, but is abusing her physically or emotionally? Does she have scriptural grounds for divorce or just separation? – I think I’ve answered this in the above thoughts, but I will add more here. I would tell her to find shelter in a safe place and seek guidance from a bible based, bible believing pastor. I’m going far out on this one, but in I Cor 7:15 “But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.” I have to think that if a husband is abusing his wife, he is not following the Word of the Lord and does not understand what godly love is.
Interesting thoughts on The Shack and God as a mother figure.
Monday: The Text
3. Read Psalm 91:1-2. What is the psalmist’s relationship with the Lord? Do you think that is true of all believers?
He is abiding in the shelter (covering, secret place, protection) of the most High (God)., and he has confidence that he is covered with God’s protection. It’s a personal relationship, “..MY refuge…MY fortress…MY God…in HIM will I trust.” This is what Jesus is talking about in John 15, abiding in Him and He in us, and Paul states in Gal. 2:20. I don’t think all believers have a firm grasp of this truth.
4. Read Psalm 91:3-7
A. List the promises you find in this passage.
All of these provided by God: deliverance from the trap set by a fowler (trapper, bait-layer) deliverance from a terrible plague covering (screening, protection) from harm His truth is a surrounding shield and protection Freedom from fear of pestilence, destruction, violence
B. A friend pointed out that if we are to be delivered from the Fowler’s snare, it implies we have been snared. Thoughts?
The one setting the trap lays bait that is tempting, so it’s easy to fall into the trap. I think there are two kinds of deliverance possible: from out of the trap, and from stepping into the trap.
5. Compare Psalm 91:8 with Malachi 1:5. This psalm has often been given to soldiers to pray. What thoughts or questions do you have?
Without further explanation this Psalm could give soldiers false hope that they will not suffer harm in battle.
6. Read Psalm 91:9-13 and list the promises. What comments or questions do you have?
Because you make God your shelter and dwelling place: nothing bad will happen to you, angels will guard you, angels will carry you safely, you can step on a lion, venomous snake and not be hurt
This is the same scripture Satan used to tempt/bait Jesus in Luke 4. Satan still uses it to tempt us, “Nothing bad will happen. It’s okay if you do it just this once.”
7. Read Psalm 91:14-16
A. What conditions do you find? Loving God, knowing God personally (His name), calling out to God (for help)
B. What promises? God’s deliverance, He lifts to safety, He answers the call for help, He is with him IN trouble, He gives honour, He gives long life, He saves
C. What does “I will be with him in trouble” imply about the whole psalm? That trouble will come, but God is right there to help and sustain through the trouble. Bad things will happen.
Good from Cheryl:
I think there are two kinds of deliverance possible: from out of the trap, and from stepping into the trap.
How much better not to step into it!
Cheryl, I love love love the two kinds of deliverance from the trap you pointed out. So good.
Listen and or read up to Misunderstanding of the Claim
2. As a young pastor what did he think about old people? They were so anxious. What did he think once he became old?They had reason to be anxious! Bad things happen.
3. What do you do when you become anxious over something?Turn to prayer, God’s Word, community, this blog
4. What stands out to you from the section on “The Claim” from Keller and why? The claim sounds like it is based on our faith-if we have faith then we are protected.
5. Meditate on verses 1-4 and the metaphors of protection. The mother bird protecting her young under her wings.
A. Choose one that particularly speaks to you and meditate on it longer, sharing at least 5 insights. We are like the young to God. He covers us in our trials. He takes the pain, the persecution, the insults, the shame, everything. He went to the cross for us, paying the price we owed.
B. How does this speak to you in your life right now and why? He knows how I feel in my pain. He knows the feeling of being forsaken by his father. I’m not truly alone in my pain, as it seems.
6. How is the metaphor of covering also used in the book of Ruth? Thoughts? In a very similar way as Christ is our “mother bird”, Boaz is to Ruth. He becomes a place of protection for her, providing and taking her under his wing, so to speak, a foreshadowing of Christ to God’s people.
Tuesday: The Claim and A Tangent from Dee 🙂
Listen and or read up to Misunderstanding of the Claim
2. As a young pastor what did he think about old people? What did he think once he became old?
—He thought they worried all the time and worried too much. He came to understand with time and age that there were valid reasons from their life experiences that caused them to worry. They had lived through the bad things that happened in this dangerous fallen world.
3. What do you do when you become anxious over something?
—I go to Scripture and prayer. These are three of my go to verses.
Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
4. What stands out to you from the section on “The Claim” from Keller and why?
—It is the mother bird metaphor that stands out to me because that was my experience when I was so sick with Covid. I would repeat those first 4 verses of Psalm 91 over and over and I felt a very real gentleness and tenderness from God of being cared for.
5. Meditate on verses 1-4 and the metaphors of protection.
A. Choose one that particularly speaks to you and meditate on it longer, sharing at least 5 insights.
—Verse 4. NLT
“He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.”
1)It’s all about Him! He will cover / He will shelter / His faithful promises cover and protect.
2) This is the picture of the strength and gentleness of the mother bird.
3) Nothing can get to me or touch me when I am under his feathers, under his shelter and his promises that arm and protect me.
4)There is nothing I can do But rather He does it all for me. I just need to go to the place of safety and stay safe in his care.
5)I feel the Word of God which contain his faithful promises are important for protecting my mind from worry and fear. By taking hold of the truths of his Word I am protected from the lies of the enemy.
B. How does this speak to you in your life right now and why?
—Like Keller’s perspective that he gained with age there are many things that are hard and fearful which are distractions in living right now. The aging process is not kind to anyone so personally at 75 I deal with aging. I can mitigate some things but I can’t stop it. I have good friends dying from cancer and Parkinson’s. I have grandchildren making bad choices in their lives. If I look around at the political arena of my own country it is very troubling. And if I look at the world in its downward spiral it is both fearful and troubling. But for God!
These 4 verses in the beginning of this Psalm offer me a shelter and rest. A place of refuge and safety. He offers rescue, protection and a cover or a block from the harsh realities of life and the enemy of my soul. And I have his faithful promises (His Word) to speak truth into my heart. Bottom line is I have Jesus and life would be way too hard without Him.
6. How is the metaphor of covering also used in the book of Ruth? Thoughts?
—Boaz said to Ruth “May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” Ruth 2:12
It was a gracious blessing on her for coming back with Naomi to Israel and affirming her for trusting God to care for her (under His wings).
Thank you Bev for sharing about your journey through aging. It was encouraging to me.
Dee’s tangent:
I found Craig Kenner’s book: “And Marries Another” helpful in contrasting “covering” with “dealing treacherously with your wife” (from Malachi). According to Levitical law, the husband is instructed to provide shelter, food, and marital rights (which Keener sees as love) for his wife. Abandonment, he believes, encompasses more than just walking out, but abuse, the lack of covering, and the opposite of protection. It is dealing treacherously. I realize this could be misused but would love your thoughts.
7. Do you think Keener is going too far and abandonment only means walking out? How would you advise a woman whose husband has not walked out or been unfaithful, but is abusing her physically or emotionally? Does she have scriptural grounds for divorce or just separation?
—Well this is a really tough question always subject to the varying circumstances.
I am not familiar with Kenner or his book but I would agree with his premise as being scriptural. Abandonment in any form is wrong and ungodly. There are strong commands for the husband and his role as the head of his wife and family and it all begins with a spiritual responsibility to love his wife as Christ loves the church. Ephesians 5 makes it pretty clear what the responsibilities are of the husband as well as the wife to submit to her husband as to the Lord. But the passage begins with both husband and wife being called to “…submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Thats the ideal. When that is in play it all works. Sadly there have been misinterpretations on those verses and sinful man misuses them.
But back to the question of how to advise a woman in an abusive situation. I feel it should start with separation with a hope of repentance and reconciliation. I think a man should be faced with the consequences of his actions. If he does not repent and turn from his abusive ways then the failure of the marriage is on him and a wife has no choice but to divorce him.
Over the years I have been involved personally with three different situations where I advised the wife to separate from her husband. But I told her I was opposed to divorce until it was proven he was unwilling to repent or change the abusive behaviors. One was an angry, verbally abusive man who became physically threatening. He was a professing believer but when she chose to leave him he was shocked and devastated and turned to the Lord. He found Christ in the depth of his despair. The reconciliation took some serious marriage counseling and frankly she was so wounded he had to win her back and it took a number of months for that to happen and for them to come back together.
Another was a young man who was deeply into pornography. When he came home after work one night and Jen and the three small children were gone it was a major wake up call for him. He had made a commitment to Christ as a teenager and then hid his sin until they had been married about 5 years. He kept being sorry for it and promising to not go back to it but always did. God in his grace touched Matt and he completely repented. But coming back together didn’t happen for a while until he had put himself under another man’s accountability and proved his sincerity by delving deep into God’s Word. They have since shared their story in our church. But the journey was hard to rebuild the marriage. I share all that to say God is at work answering prayer and restoring lives. But I have to be honest that the third marriage did not make it. The husband had a history of unfaithfulness and would not give up his sexual exploits. She had no choice but to divorce him for abandoning her.
Just last week in our study on Psalm 51 we looked closely at what repentance really is. I would say that was a key component to the two marriages being restored.
Sad story for that woman and her children — seemed like she made brave choices though.
Tuesday: The Claim and A Tangent from Dee 🙂
2. As a young pastor what did he think about old people? What did he think once he became old? “Phew! Old people. They worry all the time.” As he grew older, Keller realized that there are troubles in this world that cannot be avoided and they happen to everyone.
3. What do you do when you become anxious over something? I talk to myself, reminding myself to think about what is true. Only the Lord knows what will happen in the future. I hold onto the Lord’s promises, Phillipians 4:6,7
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
4. What stands out to you from the section on “The Claim” from Keller and why? “Over and over again, God is likened to a mother bird who protects her young with outstretched wings, protects from the elements, from predators, and so on. The vast majority of metaphors that describe God in the Bible are he’s a king and he’s father.”
This reminds me of Jesus saying, O “Jerusalem, Jerusalem…. how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings…”
We have such a loving and personal God. As Keller says “…don’t misunderstand and think of God ever as remote and distant,,,,”
5. Meditate on verses 1-4 and the metaphors of protection.
A. Choose one that particularly speaks to you and meditate on it longer, sharing at least 5 insights.
vs. 1 “He that dwelleth…shall abide under the SHADOW of the Almighty.” Being in someone’s shadow means that person is very close; God is not far away from me. A shadow can be cast from any direction (depending on the light); The Lord’s protection and care surrounds me. A shadow can give you relief from the hot sun; The Almighty One decides what trials will enter my life and provides help. A shadow might leave you in darkness (eclipse), but God’s shadow lets the light of truth shine through. To be under His shadow is comforting, like a warm blanket on a cold night.
B. How does this speak to you in your life right now and why? It is only as I abide in Him that I find true peace (under His shadow).
6. How is the metaphor of covering also used in the book of Ruth? Thoughts? Boaz says Ruth has taken refuge under the Lord’s wings. Ruth abandoned everything that was familiar and claimed Naomi’s God as her own. She completely trusted in the Lord. The other covering in the book of Ruth is when she visits Boaz at night and asks him to spread his cloak over her, covering her with his protection.
7. Do you think Keener is going too far and abandonment only means walking out? No, I don’t think he has gone too far, especially if the couple has children. It’s a betrayal and a removal of protection.
How would you advise a woman whose husband has not walked out or been unfaithful, but is abusing her physically or emotionally? Does she have scriptural grounds for divorce or just separation? Matt. 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
I would listen to her and ask questions. My suggestions to her would depend on her circumstances, and I would offer any help that I could provide to get her out of an unsafe situation.
2. As a young pastor what did he think about old people? What did he think once he became old? They were worried all the time and anxious. He realized bad things do happen and more frequently and you come to realize it’s a dangerous world out there. You can’t prevent some things from happening
3. What do you do when you become anxious over something? I try to read the Bible, pray and find an uplifting praise song.
4. What stands out to you from the section on “The Claim” from Keller and why? I like the mother eagle that I can be under His wings for protection Sometimes these days I lay in bed in the morning and envision His armor as a cloud over my shoulders .
5. Meditate on verses 1-4 and the metaphors of protection.
A. Choose one that particularly speaks to you and meditate on it longer, sharing at least 5 insights. Under His wings thou shalt trust. I am close to Him, I’m under His wings, there is protection, with that type of closeness He is calling me to trust Him. He says to lean in, don’t try to escape this closeness. There is warmth here. I am safe. I am not alone. I can rest in this place.
B. How does this speak to you in your life right now and why? I have had times of anxiety the past few weeks. Grief and a lot of changes going on and some hard things happening to loved ones. He wants me to put the changes and concerns into His hands and trust Him to see me and others through. Thank you Dee for this exercise. I need to be drawn closer to Him.
6. How is the metaphor of covering also used in the book of Ruth? Thoughts? Boaz spoke it to Ruth. I am seeing it as a choice Ruth made and that is the choice we are all offered.
I love reading and gleaning so much from the sharing here of testimonies and the Word of God. I listened to Tim Keller’s message and as always, I have been washed warm by his insight into the Word. Many commitments right now but I come here to refresh my soul and to remind me that I have a “village” of wonderful sisters! Thank you, Dee, for bringing us together.
Amen to Bing’s comment. This is such a place of refreshing my soul with all of you sisters in Christ.
2. As a young pastor what did he think about old people? That they worry too much. What did he think once he became old? That as you get older you come to realize that bad things can and do happen to you. That we live in a dangerous place with a fragile life.
3. What do you do when you become anxious over something? I pray and remind myself that Christ is in control of every detail and event of my life, good or bad.
4. What stands out to you from the section on “The Claim” from Keller and why? I never realized how many times in the bible the metaphor of being protected under God’s wings is used. One thing that I thought of is that when a mother bird covers her chicks with her wings, they know nothing of the danger that is around them whether it is rain, snow, a predator, fire all the chick knows is safety and security.
5. Meditate on verses 1-4 and the metaphors of protection.
A. Choose one that particularly speaks to you and meditate on it longer, sharing at least 5 insights. He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. Most High and Almighty show God’s power over all creation and circumstances. I can dwell there, not just pass through or stay temporarily, but continually live in His shelter. His shelter protects me from harm. I can sit in His shadow. His shadow brings relief from harsh conditions.
B. How does this speak to you in your life right now and why? Right now things have been going pretty well in my life. I am thankful for His shelter of protection and His shadow of comfort.
6. How is the metaphor of covering also used in the book of Ruth? “May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” Thoughts? God’s covering was even for a gentile.
Love your thoughts about the ignorance of the baby birds!
Wednesday: The Misunderstanding of the Claim (I)
8. Read this section and share what stands out and why.
—It is the issue Keller raises that if we read this section of verses wrongly we are not thinking truth about God and that makes us like Job’s friends who God eventually confronted saying you have not spoken truth about me. I see the importance of getting this right about God. It isn’t about me or anyone else living a trouble free life. It’s about defining where God is in these statements and the truth that he and his Word can be trusted. And it requires taking a deeper look at the context of these verses but the over arching truth is that God is sovereign above it all and very personally involved with every trouble and trial.
9. What are some of the sweeping promises in verses 6-12?
—The Psalmist says “Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished. If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.”
10. What three reasons does Keller give that show us that reading this as if nothing bad will ever happen to believers must be a misunderstanding?
—First reason is that we so desperately want it to be true and we lose our objectivity.
—Second reason is it should give us pause because of the book of Job is in the Bible. Job’ life is the reality of a godly man suffering everything listed in Psalm 91.
—Third reason is because Satan wants us to read it that way so we believe the lie if I really trust God and I’m really true to him then in my life God is not going to let bad things happen to me.
11. What part of Psalm 91 does Satan quote in Luke 4, and how is this a twist?
—He says to Jesus “If you trust God, God will protect you, and you won’t even stub your foot.” Meaning if you suffer then God is not being true to his Word and he cannot be trusted.
It will take you down a path of becoming more anxious and deeply disappointed as trouble comes into our lives. That results in getting more angry and bitter. Satan uses it to derail lives.
7. Do you think Keener is going too far and abandonment only means walking out? How would you advise a woman whose husband has not walked out or been unfaithful, but is abusing her physically or emotionally? Does she have scriptural grounds for divorce or just separation?
I don’t think I know enough about what the New Testament says about this topic. Obviously, no one should stay in a place that is unsafe!
I found a few verses where Jesus talks about marriage. I wonder what He means by the phrase “…hard hearts…?” Should a man be required to submit to strict counseling for the mental/physical abuse? Could the marriage survive? Can they change or be trusted afterwards? Nancy Leigh (Demoss) Wolgemuth had a series on this once that was very good. I will try to find it.
Does the Bible say anything about abuse? I found more scripture that includes abuse (second scripture).
“Some Pharisees came and tried to trap him with this question: “Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife for just any reason?” “Haven’t you read the Scriptures?” Jesus replied. “They record that from the beginning ‘God made them male and female.’” And he said, “‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.” “Then why did Moses say in the law that a man could give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away?” they asked. Jesus replied, “Moses permitted divorce only as a concession to your hard hearts, but it was not what God had originally intended. And I tell you this, whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery—unless his wife has been unfaithful.” Jesus’ disciples then said to him, “If this is the case, it is better not to marry!” “Not everyone can accept this statement,” Jesus said. “Only those whom God helps.”
Matthew 19:3-11 NLT
“Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.”
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NLT
So, to me it is clear that abuse in not something you will do and get away with it. It is not of the kingdom of God. But, is someone to divorce because of it? Please do not think I am being insensitive. I am trying to understand what the Bible says. At the very least, a woman should leave the man and separate if she is being beaten, to protect herself. Separation can last a very long time. Here it says for the unbeliever (he must not be much of a believer if he is beating his wife…) to leave so the peace can be restored. It does say that she might be able to convert him to Christianity. I didn’t copy that part.
“And if a believing woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to continue living with her, she must not leave him. (But if the husband or wife who isn’t a believer insists on leaving, let them go. In such cases the believing husband or wife is no longer bound to the other, for God has called you to live in peace.)”
1 Corinthians 7:13, 15 NLT
There is more scripture that says we honor our bodies because they are given by God (see below). If you allow yourself to be abused then you are not honoring your body, correct?
“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT
I’m sure I could keep going. I don’t believe any one should live terrorized by her husband. Based on what I read this morning I believe the abused woman should leave her husband and find safety immediately. If the marriage is to survive, then he would have to agree to a immersive counseling program to change his behavior totally. If he isn’t a believer then he would either need to become one or leave. He would also need to stay away for a long time before the couple returns together (if that even happens). She would not be able to trust him and there would need to be boundaries. All of this might take years. I would say if this can’t happen then divorce is imminent and justified.
8. Read this section and share what stands out and why. In Psalm 91, God isn’t saying we will never suffer if we trust Him but satan wants us to read it that way. It brought to mind when satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness via quoting scripture. satan does this to make us doubt God. So that we would think, I’ve done this and that for Christ, and I’ve trusted and God isn’t coming through, so why should I trust Him? satan likes to devolve our relationship with Christ into a transactional relationship rather than an intimate relationship.
9. What are some of the sweeping promises in verses 6-12? No pestilence or plague will get to you, no harm will overtake you, no disasters will destroy you, you will be guarded by angels day and night, you will trample and destroy any danger that threatens to hurt you. You’ll be protected, God will answer you when you call. God will be with you and deliver you and honor you and He will give you a long life.
10. What three reasons does Keller give that show us that reading this as if nothing bad will ever happen to believers must be a misunderstanding? 1. We want so desperately to want it to say that. 2. It should give us pause, by just looking at the book of Job. 3. Satan wants us to read it this way.
11. What part of Psalm 91 does Satan quote in Luke 4, and how is this a twist? Psalm 91:11. satan is twisting it to say if God lets you suffer then God can’t be trusted. He’s not being true to His word.
This is so true, Rebecca! satan likes to devolve our relationship with Christ into a transactional relationship rather than an intimate relationship.
I see you caught the same thing from Rebecca, Patti!
So wise from Rebecca:
Satan likes to devolve our relationship with Christ into a transactional relationship rather than an intimate relationship.
Wednesday: The Misunderstanding of the Claim (I)
8. Read this section and share what stands out and why.
Keller’s reference to Job and God saying they were not speaking the truth about Him was something I had not seen before, so I looked it up. I think Keller might have been referring to Job 38:2, “Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?” Job and his friends were making statements based on their opinions, and by doing so actually obscured the truth about God. I see/hear this often in conversations about God today. People’s opinions being stated as the truth. The most harmful being, all “good” people go to heaven when they die.
9. What are some of the sweeping promises in verses 6-12? IF you are trusting God THEN you will not experience any violence, you will never be sick (nor will any in your house), you will see the wicked punished, angels will help you – nothing bad will happen, you will not even stub your toe!
10. What three reasons does Keller give that show us that reading this as if nothing bad will ever happen to believers must be a misunderstanding?
1. People want to believe that this is true, there’s no objectivity. This is the danger of taking scripture out of context. In actuality if it was true, it would place people in bondage of having to earn favor with God. God would not be God, because the person’s behavior would control God’s response. I’m trusting you, God, so you HAVE to protect me.”
2. The book of Job proves that bad things happen to even a man with a right standing before God. I think it is also important to see that God ALLOWED these things to enter Job’s life (through Satan’s design).
3. Satan, the father of lies, wants people to be deceived. If you believe that nothing bad will ever happen to you, when it does you will be greatly disappointed and draw away from God in anger and bitterness. I have seen this happen when people experience a sudden death in their family, an illness such as cancer, any number of things, They blame God, and turn their backs on Him.
11. What part of Psalm 91 does Satan quote in Luke 4, and how is this a twist?
Psalm 91:11,12 In Luke 4 Satan tempts Jesus first by telling him to make the stones into bread to satisfy Jesus’ hunger (lust of the flesh). Next he tempts Jesus by showing him all the glory and power Jesus could have by worshipping Satan (lust of the eyes). THEN Satan quotes scripture (imagine quoting Jesus to influence Him, who is the living Word Himself!) tempting Jesus to prove Himself, “If thou be the Son of God..” (the pride of life). Satan actually thought using scripture, and twisting it to his purpose (trying to get Jesus off track away from the Father’s purpose) would work.
Cheryl Ann — on 8 — I do think Job’s friends certainly were speaking without knowledge, but also that God was speaking to Job, as I look at 38:1-3 when He told Job to brace himself like a man. Job did love and trust God, but still kept asking why, showing he needed to trust that God knew what He was doing. What do you think about that?
Dee – Absolutely God was speaking to Job. Early on when his wife tells him to “curse God and die,” Job calls her foolish and replies with “shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?” By the end of the book he’s talking about his own righteousness, and everything he’s done in the past that was good trying to justify himself. As you said, he was asking why has this happened. His trust had been chiseled down, which served Satan’s purpose, and God intervened.
2. As a young pastor what did he think about old people? What did he think once he became old?
Older people are anxious and worry about everything. He realized that bad things happen to everyone; illness, relational betrayal, friends and family dying, financial problems.
3. What do you do when you become anxious over something?
I go to the Lord in prayer.
4. What stands out to you from the section on “The Claim” from Keller and why?
5. Meditate on verses 1-4 and the metaphors of protection.
A. Choose one that particularly speaks to you and meditate on it longer, sharing at least 5 insights.
Under His wings you may seek refuge.
God is loving; He is faithful; He is true; He is a safe place; He is my comforter; He is my protector and my shelter; He is my deliverer;
B. How does this speak to you in your life right now and why?
I love that when I feel so alone, vulnerable, and totally feel like I could be in free-fall, His hands steady me, His wings cover and comfort me.
6. How is the metaphor of covering also used in the book of Ruth? Thoughts?
Ruth is a foreigner, who is committed in her loyalty to Naomi. In supporting her, she has become part of Naomi’s family. Boaz is a godly man, who sees Ruth’s selfless act of love, and he desires to protect and honor her. Boaz is representing God’s wings where Ruth seeks refuge.
From Patti:
I love that when I feel so alone, vulnerable, and totally feel like I could be in free-fall, His hands steady me, His wings cover and comfort me.
Thursday: The Misunderstanding of the Claim (II)
12. What stands out in this section and why?
—Keller said “if there’s anything in your life that’s more important to you than God, you don’t possess your own soul. That has the title to your soul. It owns you.”
—This is an eye opening truth. The very hard truth here is that I have to hold absolutely everything and everyone in my life rather loosely. I recognize I can only do that in the right proportion as directly related to my love for God and my trust in Him.
13. What points are Keller making through telling the story of Joseph?
—Basically he is saying all the trouble and disaster that came into Joseph’s life actually served as his protection for him in many ways and as the protection of many other people.
14. Tangent. In our discussion in our church, one man felt strongly that Keller was off base in saying Joseph was spoiled and shouldn’t have bragged to his brothers about his dream. Agree or disagree and why?
—That perspective of Joseph which Keller gave made a lot of sense to me. I had never heard an honest evaluation of Joseph’s behavior like that but I agree with Keller’s assessment. Joseph is one of those bible super heros that we like to hold up as more holy and less human in his life than he probably would have been because in reality he was sinful flesh just like the rest of us. He was not just naturally good. All the hard and painful things in his life shaped his character.
15. How does Genesis 50:20 help us get a better interpretation of Psalm 91?
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”
—I see this again as a place where we have to say “but GOD!!” The point is that in the midst of it all God remains sovereign and very much in control. He is in the very midst of all trouble. Our enemy seeks to undo us by it and turn us away from trusting God. I see God in Psalm 91 as saying in the middle of all the troubles and disasters of life He is with us and ultimately will rescue and protect us for our good and his glory. He will work absolutely everything together for good in the end of things. We have to hang onto the truth that He has the power to do so. And in his deep love for us he will do so. Especially when life is hard and painful and full of troubles.
16. How does Keller say Romans 8:28 is often misunderstood? How does the context help us read it correctly? (Romans 8:29)
—Keller’s words: “But when it says everything, even the terrible things, even the most terrible things, work together for good, what that means is that even though those things are terrible (there’s nothing good about them) God somehow is bringing his power to bear on all things in such a way that we will see from the vantage point of eternity that every bad thing that happened in the end brought about something better and more glorious than would have happened if the bad thing hadn’t happened. In other words, the bad thing brings about something better than if it hadn’t happened, which means all the evil intention of evildoers will be utterly thwarted. Evil will be absolutely defeated…”.
“Evil will be absolutely defeated…”. That is exactly what happened at the Cross. The absolute worst thing to ever happen to anyone happened to Jesus. He suffered and died and it changed the world. As I live in this fallen broken world I will have pain and trouble and in doing so I share in the suffering of Christ and it transforms my life to be more like Him because I love Him and I am called to his purposes for my life.
17. What is his point about Luke 29:16-18?
Luke 21
—He pointed out that the only way Joseph and his brothers could really be protected was by other things coming into their lives. Hard, bad things ended up being used to save them even by the hair on their heads. And by patiently standing firm the won their souls (life).
I agree as well with Keller’s assessment of Joseph — but it made one man in our church very angry! When I asked him how he liked the sermon he said, “I prefer truth!” I didn’t engage him, because I know him, but it was an interesting response. We don’t like our heroes tarnished.
8. Read this section and share what stands out and why.
Wow, Satan is quoting Psalm 91 to Jesus in the wilderness. I knew he quoted scripture, I did not know it was Psalm 91! Wild.
9. What are some of the sweeping promises in verses 6-12?
The promise to protect, no violence, no disaster, or disease will harm you. You won’t even stub your toe!
10. What three reasons does Keller give that show us that reading this as if nothing bad will ever happen to believers must be a misunderstanding?
1 – We want to read it this way! Please, no harm! But then the opposite must be true as well. If we aren’t trusting God then we will experience disaster, violence, and sickness.
2 – Consider Job. Ugh. Job experiences all of these bad things. Job’s friends accuse him of not being faithful to God. They believe he is suffering because he needs to trust more. God corrects them and says they are not speaking the truth about Him. If we read Psalm 91 like Job’s friends then we are not speaking the truth about God either.
3 – Satan wants us to read it that way. He doesn’t want us to know the truth. He wants us to believe that if God allows us to be harmed then it means He really doesn’t care about us. He wants us to believe that God can’t be trusted.
11. What part of Psalm 91 does Satan quote in Luke 4, and how is this a twist?
He quotes verse 11. He says to Jesus that if God protects Him wouldn’t allow Him to even stub His toe. If we believe that if God protects us we will live faultless lives, we will be disappointed and pull away from Him.
I agree — we want to read it that way! 🙂
Thursday: The Misunderstanding of the Claim (II)
12. What stands out in this section and why?
Keller spends quite some time talking about Joseph. I am not so sure I would totally agree with his assessment of Joseph. The applications about protection are what’s important here, and I don’t want to get side tracked.
13. What points are Keller making through telling the story of Joseph?
That God was using all the circumstances to further His will. He protected Joseph from himself, the brothers were humbled (protection from their own hatred and jealousy), and people were protected from starvation (through Joseph’s design in Egypt).
14. Tangent. In our discussion in our church, one man felt strongly that Keller was off base in saying Joseph was spoiled and shouldn’t have bragged to his brothers about his dream. Agree or disagree and why? I don’t necessarily agree Keller is off base, but I have always wondered if Joseph was not bragging, but instead he was just excited about having these dreams, of a connection with God. When I am excited about something, I want to share it with others. It can be understood as bragging, but it’s not really. I’m just excited. Whether it was bragging or not, the resulting hatred and jealousy of Joseph’s brothers was the outcome (Jacob wasn’t real pleased either).
15. How does Genesis 50:20 help us get a better interpretation of Psalm 91? God used trials and troubles to accomplish His purposes. The brothers thought they were condemning Joseph to a life of slavery (except Reuben), but God’s purpose overruled them.
16. How does Keller say Romans 8:28 is often misunderstood? How does the context help us read it correctly? (Romans 8:29)
Some might say every cloud has a silver lining, or bad things are really good things. These are platitudes often used based on Romans 8:28. Keller states emphatically that “No, no, no. Bad things are bad things.” In context we see “God somehow is bringing his power to bear on all things in such a way that we will see from the vantage point of eternity that every bad thing that happened in the end brought about something better and more glorious than would have happened if the bad thing hadn’t happened.” t
When you read further through the end of Romans 8, it’s evident this is spoken to the elect believers, who will never be separated from the love of God in Christ Jesus. This gives us further hope in suffering and trials, which are inevitably going to happen.
17. What is his point about Luke 29:16-18? That we can have peace in troublesome times and suffering (when we have no clue as to what/why things are happening), because God is protecting our souls. Our very souls which are eternal, everything else is temporary. I think about the martyrs in today’s world, those imprisoned and tortured for their faith.
I love Keller saying “bad things are bad things.” I was grieved at the funeral of a young man when the father insisted we praise the Lord, not allowing the family to grieve.
Love your answer to 17. , Cheryl!
Wednesday: The Misunderstanding of the Claim (I)
8. Read this section and share what stands out and why. – Satan is manipulative and full of lies. I need to really be digging in to God’s Word, not Satan’s word and know what God is telling me. When I do this, I will have a godly rebuttal that I can counter back what Satan wants me to believe. I need to take time in my study and not just check a box. Checking the box will not help me truly know what is said. I need to take it ALL in and see the whole picture of God.
9. What are some of the sweeping promises in verses 6-12? – We will not have to fear the bad; the bad will be all around me, but not come near to me; God’s punishment, his wrath will not come to me, but I will see His judgement against the wicked; As God as my refuge, no harm will come to me or come near my home; His angels will be surrounding me as I live my life on earth.
10. What three reasons does Keller give that show us that reading this as if nothing bad will ever happen to believers must be a misunderstanding? – If we see this Psalm in that way, we are not reading it objectively, we are not speaking truth about God and his unending love. We become like Job’s friends. And if we interrupt it this way, we are listening to what Satan wants us to hear and not believing in our One True God.
11. What part of Psalm 91 does Satan quote in Luke 4, and how is this a twist? – Satan quotes verse 11, For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;” I’m not sure what the second part is asking, but Satan wants us to not trust God and to walk away from him. He wants us to be anxious and angry about our life and not have the peace that God provides to us in times of trouble. He wants us to think that he, Satan, is for us and loves us which is not true. Satan loves himself only and could never love us like God does.
Yes, Julie, I agree. We need to know the truth so we can have a godly rebuttal against lies and deception.
Thursday: The Misunderstanding of the Claim (II)
12. What stands out in this section and why? – WOW, there is a lot of stuff here today. I need to examine my life, my heart and my mind and see where God is sitting. Is he at the top of each of these areas, or do I have him buried beneath things, stuff, that I think I can’t live without. Who possesses my soul?
13. What points are Keller making through telling the story of Joseph? – Joseph would have continued to live a life where he thought he was better than everyone, but because God directed the journey, Joseph became a great man, he lost the self-absorbed man he was becoming. And his brothers became humble, they had to learn how to reach out and know they could not provide all that they needed. They had to depend on Joseph and God for their needs. And because of what happened, others were spared death from starvation. We need each other in this life, we need trials in order to learn and grow in to the person God wants us to be. And mostly we need ‘bad’ things to happen so we learn to trust and rely on God for help.
14. Tangent. In our discussion in our church, one man felt strongly that Keller was off base in saying Joseph was spoiled and shouldn’t have bragged to his brothers about his dream. Agree or disagree and why? – This is interesting to think about. Our Life Group is going through the book of Genesis and we just discussed chapter 33. I notice as I was reading, Joseph was the only son who was mentioned by name as it listed the caravan heading to meet Esau. And, Joseph and Rachel were in the last group, the farthest back from being attacked if Esau was still upset with him. We brought up last night that Joseph was Jacob’s favorite. I can see where Tim Keller could see this and why he said it. I never thought spoiled until this study, but I did think he was full of himself to tell them all his dream of being better and higher than them.
15. How does Genesis 50:20 help us get a better interpretation of Psalm 91? – God is all knowing, so he knows when I will go off track and away from his plan. But he has a better plan and will redirect my path. He can take my disobedience, provide a lesson for me, and turn me back around. How long this takes depends on me and how fast I’m willing to see my ‘wicked’ ways and repent and ask for help. I don’t need other people to take me off course, the control I want to have of my own life, will do that, I can do it all by myself. But God, He’s always waiting to grab hold of my hand again when I’m ready to reach out. Hopefully my time frame is getting shorter and I grab for him faster than I ever have.
16. How does Keller say Romans 8:28 is often misunderstood? How does the context help us read it correctly? (Romans 8:29) – People think that the ‘bad’ things are really good things, that they have to happen, but this is not the case. He said bad things are bad, evil things are evil and God will use them to show His power and provide what we need to get through them. They help us to see in the end, that something good did come from the bad things. I have part of Romans 8:29 underlined, but never really thought about the end, …that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” I’m wondering if this means that, like Christ, we will be obedient to God and believe and trust that He will take care of us. And us living a life like that, others will see his goodness as well and want to have a relationship with him? I have more to think about now.
17. What is his point about Luke 29:16-18? – I think this is for Luke 21: 16-18. We need to watch what, or who, possess us. What is more important to us than God. If something or someone is more important to us than God is, we will be held captive by them or it. We will want to please them, instead of pleasing God and living the life he has for us.
So many great insights in your post, Julie!!
Sunday: Getting Started
1. What thoughts do you have on the above? Oh how I hunger for this kind of love and care from the Lord, but oh how I struggle to ‘feel’ it and to trust it.
2. Do you have a God hunt from this week? Or can you share a time when God was with you in trouble and explain how He was? This summer at my house there was an accident, and someone was hurt, not seriously but hurt. God showed up in bible verses, sermons, and in our study on Psalm 23. (There was a wait involved if he and others were going to have more serious outcomes or be ok). God showed up, when I would go to my quiet place in tears and fear, and he didn’t just speak a word and I was healed, but as I brought all my anguish and fear to Him He brought me through, even when I was wrestling, with Him (the whys), with fear (the what ifs), and the emotions of sadness that this happened at all, and that there was hurt. God most assuredly showed up.
Monday: The Text
3. Read Psalm 91:1-2. What is the psalmist’s relationship with the Lord? Do you think that is true of all believers? The Lord is his refuge and fortress, and a place that he trusts.
4. Read Psalm 91:3-7
A. List the promises you find in this passage. He will deliver you from the trapper or bait-layer, from pestilence, he will cover you with his wings, give you refuge, his faithfulness will be a shield.
B. A friend pointed out that if we are to be delivered from the Fowler’s snare, it implies we have been snared. Thoughts? In the blue letter site, one definition of fowler is bait-layer, I like that picture. That He delivers us from being baited in the first place. Not that that picture is accurate.
5. Compare Psalm 91:8 with Malachi 1:5. This psalm has often been given to soldiers to pray. What thoughts or questions do you have? God doesn’t always allow the battle to pass over us, that we only see with our eyes, but are unaffected. I guess though verse 4 in Malachi, could be a clue, in that maybe it’s the wrath of God on a wicked land that we shall only see but not experience.
6. Read Psalm 91:9-13 and list the promises. What comments or questions do you have? No evil shall befall you or plague come near you, that angels will guard you, and they will bear you up, and you will tread on lions and adders. Umm I guess this is where this is more about the Messiah, and less about promises to me?!?
7. Read Psalm 91:14-16
A. What conditions do you find? That the person will need to hold fast love, and know God’s name, that the person should call to God.
B. What promises? That God will deliver, protect, answer, and be with him in trouble, God will rescue, honor and give long life as well as show him salvation.
C. What does “I will be with him in trouble” imply about the whole psalm? That there will be trouble.
D. What comments or questions do you have? How does all these super awesome promises of God fit in the picture of human experience of suffering and trouble.
Tammy, I’m glad that you sensed God’s presence during your time of questioning and struggles. Sometimes that can be the hardest time to come to Him or see what He is doing.
12. What stands out in this section and why? That the bad things in our lives are truly bad things, but from the perspective of eternity the bad things will bring about something more glorious than what would have been if they hadn’t happened. It makes it a little easier to bear the bad things if I keep that in mind.
13. What points are Keller making through telling the story of Joseph? That many things that happened to Joseph brought about his good. He was headed down the wrong road in his pride and self absorption. Through the bad things Joseph not only became a great man, but save the nation of Israel.
14. Tangent. In our discussion in our church, one man felt strongly that Keller was off base in saying Joseph was spoiled and shouldn’t have bragged to his brothers about his dream. Agree or disagree and why? There’s 2 ways that Joseph could have talked about his dream. One would have been in a boastful manner, confident that what he dreamt was a sign from God that he was better than his brothers. Another would be if he just spoke about it in a matter of fact way. We’ve all had weird dreams, it doesn’t mean that we think that they’ll come true. The bible doesn’t say how Joseph told about his dream, just his brothers reaction to it.
15. How does Genesis 50:20 help us get a better interpretation of Psalm 91? It is solid proof that God uses evil to accomplish His good.
16. How does Keller say Romans 8:28 is often misunderstood? Thinking that it means the same as every cloud has a silver lining, or that if you look deep enough you will see how this bad thing really was good. How does the context help us read it correctly? (Romans 8:29) God takes the bad thing (and it truly is a bad evil thing) and uses it to accomplish His good will. Every bad act will be used for good in the long run.
17. What is his point about Luke 29:16-18? Luke 21:16-18? All of the bad things that can and will happen to us will not harm us eternally if our relationship with God is the most important in our lives.
Great summary, Dawn:
All of the bad things that can and will happen to us will not harm us eternally if our relationship with God is the most important in our lives.
Friday: The Take Hold of the Claim
18. What stands out and why from this part?
That Jesus would suffer the wrath of God for me, and do it willingly, brings tears to my eyes. Keller states it so vividly, “When Jesus Christ was on the cross, he looked down at people betraying him. He looked down at people denying him. He looked down at people abandoning him. He looked down at people mocking him and jeering at him, and in the greatest act of love in the history of the world, he stayed and was burned to a crisp by the judgment of God, by the fire, by the wrath of God. He took what we deserved.”
Also to know that God completely understands how we feel in the midst of troubles. This was a great comfort to me when my daughter died, knowing that the Lord knew all about grief and was there with me IN my grief.
19. What insight does Psalm 19:15 give you?
When we call on the Lord in times of trouble, he answers. He is always present with us, no matter the circumstance. The indwelling Spirit comforts, leads, and guides. Even when we cannot pray, the Spirit prays for us, Romans 8:26.
20. How is our God different from the gods of other religions when it comes to suffering? How is this helpful to you?
Our immortal God became mortal. Our Creator became human. Our all-powerful God became vulnerable and experienced hunger, thirst, betrayal, persecution, and death. Jesus gave up everything in heaven to become a man…for our redemption…for me. Philippians 2
When I consider this, my own troubles are easier to bear. They don’t disappear, but I know He understands and is right here with me.
21. The mother bird also represents substitution. How does Keller show this through Jesus cry in Matthew 26 (Oh Jerusalem…)?
Jesus is talking about judgement, the wrath of God that is coming. By refusing to believe in Him, Jerusalem (nation of Israel) was condemning themselves. Jesus was saying that He would have sheltered them from judgement by His substitution, taking the wrath they deserved upon Himself.
22. What does the story of the calcified mother bird teach you? Has contemplating Jesus suffering on your behalf help you in any way? If so, be specific.
That mother bird did not leave her chicks unprotected in the face of great danger, even though it cost her life. God did not leave us unprotected with no opportunity for reconciliation. Jesus died for my sin, was buried and rose again, so that I could be brought back into communion with God. He placed Himself in front of God’s wrath and took the punishment, so that I could live.
So good you are taking what He did for us so to heart, Cheryl.
A beautiful and meaningful post, Cheryl. Every word is His truth.
Friday: The Take Hold of the Claim
18. What stands out and why from this part?
—Keller’s comment: “Here’s how you can rest under the shadow of his wings. When bad things happen to you, it’s always a way for you to possess your soul by taking your heart’s overinvestment in these other things and putting it in God.”
—I think it helps bring home the fact that God is all that really matters in life and that Jesus is enough. I recognize in my own life when I have been in the midst of trouble and suffering that it is only when I have let go of everyone and everything else in my life that I found myself resting in the shadow and shelter of His wings.
19. What insight does Psalm 19:15 give you?
—God will be with me in trouble. Because I am his he will never ever leave me alone. Trouble will come and the Bible reminds us of that but there is not a single moment He is not with me.
20. How is our God different from the gods of other religions when it comes to suffering? How is this helpful to you?
—Our God, Jesus became human flesh and suffered and died so we could be saved. He became our substitute and has provided peace to fill our hearts even in trouble. He is the place to run to for protection and rescue and rest in our times of suffering and trouble.
The false and empty gods of all other religions are not living and have never offered themselves for us. They cannot. They are powerless.
21. The mother bird also represents substitution. How does Keller show this through Jesus cry in Matthew 26 (Oh Jerusalem…)?
—Jesus wanted to protect his people from judgement that was coming. If only they would have put themselves under his wings of protection. He took that judgment on himself so we don’t have to come under judgement. When trouble comes there is a place of peace and shelter in Him. In that place we have to be patient and rest in his peace and the rescue he promises us.
22. What does the story of the calcified mother bird teach you? Has contemplating Jesus suffering on your behalf help you in any way? If so, be specific.
—The story of the mother bird is a picture of Christ who gave his very life’s blood to save our souls. Through his ultimate act of love he brought redemption, peace, joy and glory into our lives. It is through Him that we, as Keller said, can suffer with patience and in that find ourselves and become ourselves and can possess our own souls.
—I have personally found this to be true. It is only in Jesus alone that we can make any sense about our own life’s troubles and sufferings. I think back to this past March when I found my daughter in-law on the ground unconscious and bleeding after her accident of being thrown out of the UTV and my own reaction. I truly thought she was dead and I felt helpless and afraid. I immediately began to cry out to God. I knew He was there and I knew what I had to do but initially it all felt completely out of control. Looking back it is beyond amazing what he did and was doing. He was truly with both her and me in that deep time of trouble.
What a terrifying time with your daughter-in-law!
He is so faithful. What a heart wrenching experience and life changing experience with your daughter in law, Bev.
8. Read this section and share what stands out and why.
“He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways.” When I enter into a covenant relationship with God, He will be with me through all these trials; He will protect my soul. Bad things will happen, but He allows some bad things in order to form my character more in line with who He wants me to be. I have to remember to keep my eyes on the eternal things. I love his quote by C.S. Lewis: “There are far far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”
9. What are some of the sweeping promises in verses 6-12?
I think that all these promises are so important, but they hinge on this verse: “For you have made the Lord, my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place.” It is within this place, that we receive His protections. Evil shall not approach you. No plague will come near you. He will give His angels charge over you. and more.
10. What three reasons does Keller give that show us that reading this as if nothing bad will ever happen to believers must be a misunderstanding?
1.)We want to read it, as if nothing bad can happen. 2.) Bad things happened to Job. Job continued to trust and was ultimately blessed. 3.)The evil one wants us to distrust our God. God allows things, which may appear bad, yet work for His eternal good.
.11. What part of Psalm 91 does Satan quote in Luke 4, and how is this a twist?
Satan quotes Psalm 91:11-12, to lure and trap Jesus into exercising pride and pursuing fame and power. Jesus rebukes Satan with scripture.
Love this too:
C.S. Lewis: “There are far far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”
Perhaps that is why Keller’s last words were “There is no downside in this.”
Tuesday: The Claim and A Tangent from Dee SHAPE \*
MERGEFORMAT
Listen and or read up to Misunderstanding of the Claim
2. As a young pastor what did he think about old people? What did he think once he became old? That old people were always so anxious, there is a reason old people are anxious, its due to their experiencing life’s hard things.
3. What do you do when you become anxious over something? If I choose well, I run to my God in prayer and worship, if I choose unwisely I run to social media/videos/books/shows that will numb my brain.
4. What stands out to you from the section on “The Claim” from Keller and why? That God will protect us. It stands out because I definitely want that.
5. Meditate on verses 1-4 and the metaphors of protection.
A. Choose one that particularly speaks to you and meditate on it longer, sharing at least 5 insights. “His faithfulness is a shield and buckler”. Faithfulness is translated in the KJV as truth, in the ESV as faithfulness, and in the NLT as faithful promises. It’s the attribute of His faithfulness that shields me from all that would harm me, that He is faithful, He will never leave me nor forsake me. Its His truth, His word that guards me, that it gives me wisdom, and insight into all that is declared good by Him. Its His faithful promises that will protect me, He is true and just, and will do just what He says He will do, if His promise is that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.” Than He will do just that. Another insight, is that this says He is shield, to have to be shielded means there is something to be shielded from. That means things will come my way that I don’t like, as Jesus says ‘you will have trouble in this world.
B. How does this speak to you in your life right now and why? He is the one safe place. He is faithful in all the changes, and health challenges of my husband, in all the ups and downs of my daughters lives, in navigating my own internal landscape and past hurts and wounds, He is faithful, He is my refuge. Every other refuge is a false and destructive trap.
6. How is the metaphor of covering also used in the book of Ruth? Thoughts? It is that Ruth might be richly rewarded for seeking her refuge in God. That the reward is protection, provision, and what she needed and desired (A husband and children).
7. Do you think Keener is going too far and abandonment only means walking out? How would you advise a woman whose husband has not walked out or been unfaithful, but is abusing her physically or emotionally? Does she have scriptural grounds for divorce or just separation? I don’t think that its going to far. She does have grounds for separation, that could lead to divorce. This would be a serious matter that should involve great spiritual guidance from leaders/elders. The individual circumstances would vary greatly and I believe so would God’s direction as well as the counsel of wise and godly leaders/shepherds. At one point in my unequally yoked marriage I was advised to leave,(I didn’t agree) as well as at points where I sought God to know what He would have me do, and I clearly (a great mercy from God) got the message from the Lord to stay. This is obviously a nuanced subject and really anyone could manipulate God’s law to serve their own purposes, whether you understand abandonment to include abuse or not.
Wednesday: The Misunderstanding of the Claim (I)
8. Read this section and share what stands out and why. That Satan used this Psalm to strategically discourage or disrupt believers. It stands out to me because its not something I knew about before and is very rich.
9. What are some of the sweeping promises in verses 6-12? That you don’t have to fear pestilence, destruction, a thousand or even ten thousand that fall about you, no evil or plague will befall you, and that angels will guard you so that you won’t even hurt your foot.
10. What three reasons does Keller give that show us that reading this as if nothing bad will ever happen to believers must be a misunderstanding? 1. Our own desire for it and lack of objectivity. 2. Examples exist from the new and old testament that show that bad things do happen to God’s people. 3. The devil wants us to interpret this psalm as if no evil or harm will come to true believers.
11. What part of Psalm 91 does Satan quote in Luke 4, and how is this a twist? The part that angels will bear you and not even let you dash your foot against a stone. The devil wants us to believe that because then when bad things do happen we will pull away from God and not trust Him.
You are so right, Tammy, when you say anyone can manipulate God’s law to serve their own purposes, That’s why we study, to know the truth, in order to recognize lies and deception.
You are so right about how nuanced this subject is and how sensitive one must be to His Spirit.
Amen to Cheryl and Dee. You were so wise, Tammy, to listen only to God and He clearly gave you His message.
12. What stands out in this section and why?
13. What points are Keller making through telling the story of Joseph?
Joseph was becoming a great man by being tested in horrific ways. He was protected from himself.
His brothers were being humbled. They were protected from themselves.
The people were saved from starving. They were protected from famine.
None of the protection would have occurred without the bad things happening.
14. Tangent. In our discussion in our church, one man felt strongly that Keller was off base in saying Joseph was spoiled and shouldn’t have bragged to his brothers about his dream. Agree or disagree and why?
I always get uncomfortable reading or hearing this story at that point. He does seem to be bragging that he is better than the rest of the brothers. I always say to myself, “how can he say that to his brothers?” So I guess I believe as Keller does 🤷🏻♀️.
15. How does Genesis 50:20 help us get a better interpretation of Psalm 91?
I love this verse! God’s perspective is different than “normal,” human perspectives. He knows there is trouble at all times, but He works His way for good through that trouble.
16. How does Keller say Romans 8:28 is often misunderstood? How does the context help us read it correctly? (Romans 8:29)
There is no silver lining here saying that there is good in the bad. It doesn’t mean we won’t have trouble in our lives. Bad things are bad! But, these bad things lead to good things.
The verse says ALL things. That means the good, bad, and the ugly are working together for the good.
17. What is his point about Luke 29:16-18?
All the bad will occur; persecution, death, etc. BUT, you will be protected forever with God.
I forgot to answer 12.
What stands out is that God, even though Adam and Eve ruined it for us, He gave us an “out.” We are given a second chance to live with Him forever. Our job is to love Him and know Him well. When we do that above everything else, we will live in peace and eventually be with Him.
13. What points are Keller making through telling the story of Joseph?
Joseph became the worst version of himself, through the admiration and spoiling of others. God allowed Joseph to endure some very difficult things and those difficulties softened his pride filled heart. When Joseph became humble in his heart, he was able to serve the Lord and others in beautiful ways.
14. Tangent. In our discussion in our church, one man felt strongly that Keller was off base in saying Joseph was spoiled and shouldn’t have bragged to his brothers about his dream. Agree or disagree and why?
I appreciated this viewpoint from Keller. It shows that God allowed suffering in Joseph’s life and that suffering and endurance, gave him a humbled heart and a compassion that he otherwise would not have had. It changed history going forward. It made Joseph a better person; brought out qualities that were buried due to his self centeredness. His life was able to be used for God’s good purposes, rather than be a wasted narcissistic life.
15. How does Genesis 50:20 help us get a better interpretation of Psalm 91?
It demonstrates that Joseph could see how God had His hand on Joseph’s life and Joseph knew that God brought great good out of what was meant for evil.
16. How does Keller say Romans 8:28 is often misunderstood? How does the context help us read it correctly? (Romans 8:29)
God did not create bad things, but they have come into our world because of sin. It is through the vantage point of eternity that we can see how God can bring good out of bad in the end. Keller pointed out: All the evil intention of evil doers will be utterly thwarted; God will, in the end, be glorified. So hard to see when we are in the middle!
17. What is his point about Luke 29:16-18?
By your endurance and faithfulness to God, you will gain your souls. From Keller: “If there is anything in your life that gives you more meaning than God, you do not possess your own soul. that “thing” that you cling to owns your soul and “it” will drive you. Powerful words.