Let's read some more powerful words from Psalm 91, today from verse 14-15: "'Because he loves me,' says the LORD, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honour him.'" (Psalm 91:14-15 NIV11)
Belief Is Not the Same as Loving God
Question: do you love the Lord?
I'm not asking if you believe in Him. Many people claim belief in God. But do you love the Lord, the God of the Bible? The threefold God - Father, Son and Spirit? Do you love and adore Him? Is your affection for Him so deep that you rush into His presence to read His Word and sing His praise and pray, daily?
John Piper wrote an excellent book called What is Saving Faith, where he explores the idea that true faith in Jesus is one that delights in Him. He says this early in the book: "Where Christ is not received as treasure, he is being used. This is not saving faith. It is tragic that many think it is."
Again I ask, do you love Christ? Have you received Him as your treasure, the one you most value in life?
Treasuring Christ Above Mere Acknowledgement
God says in this Psalm, that it is the one who loves Him, not just believes, but loves, that is rescued and protected.
Even when God then says "for he acknowledges my name", this is not just an acknowledgement in the sense of affirming God. Because even Satan acknowledges God's name. But he uses his knowledge of God for evil. He hasn't received God as his treasure! The true follower of God treasures Him, and uses their knowledge of God to love God and to love people.
Remember, friends, God's promises in the Word are not for all people everywhere. They are for believers. Paul said it this way: "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God." (Romans 8:14 NIV11)
There is no rescue, protection, power, or shelter for those who aren't led by God's Spirit - who aren't in God's shadow - to use the imagery from verse 1 of this Psalm. He will grant those things because of the loving faith of His created ones.
If you are one who truly believes and loves God, then this is a wonderful promise to hold to - how God rescues and protects and delivers and honours His children.
But be sure that your faith is not just dry acknowledgement of God's existence, but is rather a delight in who He is. Then these verses will hold such joy and power for you, as you claim them as a promise of your own.
Paul warns Timothy about teachers who love quarrels about words, and the warning matters even more in the age of social media. Before you share, forward or follow anything this week, ask whether it points you to Jesus or simply stirs up strife.