September 11, 2001 the trespass by Islamic terrorists on our land suddenly ushered us into a time of war. This war has taken on a different face - it is being fought in many ways. This war could expand very swiftly into a global conflict bringing in many different nations. We are forced to face uncertain times like no other.  How should we as believers respond? We must walk in confidence and peace. This is a time to stand strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. The promise is steadfast and sure. "Thou will keep him, in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusts in thee. Trust you in the Lord for ever; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength."   KJV Isaiah 26:3-4 

One of the primary goals of these Islamic terrorists is to sow such fear, panic and paranoia in our nation until our faith erodes and we succumb to their wishes. The terrorists understand they could never win a face to face war with America. The primary purpose of their attacks is to terrorize. Attempting to bring us under the pressure and the duress of terror, causing us to listen to the relentless voice of fear, their aim is that courage would evaporate from our hearts. In such a weakened, demoralized condition, we then retreat from our convictions and purpose. The expressed published goal of these people is extremely clear. They have spoken and prophesied that fear would flow from the north to the south, from east to west.  They desire the United States leave the Muslim nations and they want us to abandon our support of Israel. Their goal is the eradicating of the nation of Israel, as well as the USA. Their main goal is to evangelize the entire world to radical Islamic doctrine by every method they can.  

The attacks against our nation have many different perspectives one is to drive a wedge between the USA and Israel. Their wish is to drive Israel off their Promised Land, and to ravage the entire earth with the false religion of Islam. Be very sure the 'god' these guys are praying to is not the Lord God Almighty revealed in Holy Scripture. This is not a battle just for freedom but a battle of true faith. This is a spiritual battle as well as a military one. Our nation must not falter in our support and stand for Israel. We will not be tempted to fold in fear; we will be strong and courageous. Our hearts are set to obey the command of God. "Have not I commanded you? Be strong, and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; For the Lord your God is with you where ever you go." Joshua 1:9. 

Instead of becoming fearful, let us study the times when God directed Israel into war. The Lord said, "When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots {and} people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you up from The land of Egypt, is with you." (Deut 20:1). The basis of all victory is that we know the Lord is with us.   The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, destroy them. Deut 33:27

 Throughout Scripture we are told not to be afraid.  God has promised that those who trust in Him are secure. Our peace and safety comes from leaning on and constantly abiding in HIM. Psalm 91 reminds us that in the face of danger and disaster, God is our rock and refuge. This speaks of strength, stability and safety.  

As ministers of God's Holy Word we should be sowing faith not fear into the hearts of God's people. The word of God states 'I SHALL FEAR NO EVIL". We are well aware that our nation must repent and return to our first Love. However fear is not the only motivation that will provoke people to repentance. Yes, fear is a force it moves the soul, but it is only temporary; fear cannot sustain righteousness nor create realistic true purity of heart. This can be seen by how swiftly we return to our old lifestyle just as soon as the fear factor is removed.  

The song well states "Grace may teach our hearts to fear, but grace our fears relieve. The fact is, people are already frightened. Now is the time to fill our hearts with the Word of God remembering that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.  It is time for faith to arise, where we put our trust in God's goodness and power. Jesus said all things were possible for him who believes. He particularly warned, "When you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end does not follow immediately" (Luke 21:9). He said specifically, "Do not be terrified." Do not submit to the spirit of terror -- have no part in it! God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind.

As leaders we must continue to sow into the heart of the nation these words: Trust - confidence - security - health - immunity protection - safety - deliverance - longevity. As we place our trust in Almighty God we discover HIS DIVINE PROTECTION. HE IS A FIRM FORTRESS.

 Join me in the a time of study of PSALM 91- 'THE PROMISE OF PROTECTION'

Let these words build confidence in your heart. Knowing that the Lord has promised never to leave nor forsake HIS people.

 "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!" For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark."

OUTLINE OF PSALM 91;

         I. IN TIMES OF TROUBLE   WE HAVE: 
           A Sure Fortress-v.1-2 
           A Strong Foe-v.3
           A Steadfast Faith - v.4

II. IN TIMES OF TERROR
    We Are To Be Fearless
    We Are Not To Faint or Falter

III. IN TIMES OF TEMPTATION
    A Triumphant Path - v.11-13 
    A Tested Path
    A Tremendous Path

IN TIMES OF TROUBLE WE HAVE: 

               A Sure Fortress - verse -1 & 2 

1        He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2       I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust."
 

THE RIGHT REFUGE AND FIRM FORTRESS:

The two key words are dwell and abide we are instructed to take up permanent residence in the Lord's presence. Each day we should seek to draw nearer to Christ and His will for our life. He has promised to be a very faithful Friend in the Times of Trouble however we should not just come to HIM when we are fearful or in need. It is imperative that we learn to dwell and abide in His presence.

It is important to notice that in verse 1 and 2 the Psalmist uses four different names of God. It is in the NAMES OF GOD WE DISCOVER HIS NATURE.

      1.Elyon - "The Most High' - POSSESSION
      2.Shaddai - "The Almighty" - PROVISION
      3.JEHOVAH - "THE LORD" - PROMISE
      4. Elohim - "God the Creator" - POWER

 In Psalm 9:9-10 we discover this promise "The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, has not forsaken them that seek thee.

There is power and protection in the name of God. The more we know about God the more confidence and trust we have in HIM. God will reveal HIMSELF during these dark days as a LOVING HEAVENLY FATHER.. And a powerful protector of all who have come to HIM for safety.   

The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runs into it, and is safe. "KJV Proverbs 18:10.
   
               A Strong Foe - 1-3

3       Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous deadly disease.

We are given the assurance that through faith we shall be delivered from the traps and snares of the enemy as well as perilous disease. The Scripture is very clear the devil's main goal is to kill steal and to destroy all that he can. (See John 10:9-12). However through faith in Christ we have been given power and authority over the devil's plans. (See Luke 10:19). Even as the war rages against us we have a sure confidence that greater is HE that is in us than the evil that is moving in the world. (See 1 John 4:4).

We are confident of the promise of the presence of Almighty God to guard and guide us. (See Romans 8:32-39).

                A Steadfast Faith - 1-4 

4        He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; his truth shall be your shield and buckler.


 IN THE TIMES OF TERROR - 5-10

5        You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day,
6       Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
7       A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you.
8       Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked.
9          Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place,
10     No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling

Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that continues to flow from the heart of God. It is imperative that we take these promises to heart. In these days of bio-terrorism and the fear of sickness and disease being used to kill innocent families, we must have protection. God has made it clear HE alone is our sure safety in a crazy world.
 

 IN THE TIMES OF TEMPTATION - 11-16
       A Triumphant Path - 11-13
       A Tested Troop. The Host of Heaven to Help.

11     For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.
12    In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13     You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

Luke 10:19
Romans 16:21

A Tremendous Promise - 14-16;

14          "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
15    He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.
16     With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation."  (NKJ)

As we surrender our selves to the will of God we find ourselves being placed in the protection of Almighty God. The key to this continual protection is "abiding" in the Lord. If we do not remain in the shelter that the Lord has provided we will be subject to the attacks of the enemy. The Psalmist states his assurance that God has and will provide a shelter for us.

 For thou has been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.  Psalm 61:3-4 (KJV) 

The Lord has promised that He will be a hiding place in the times of terror and trouble. Let these promises bring courage and confidence to your soul.

 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.  Psalm 27:5-6 (KJV)

In Psalm 46 we are told that God is a strong fortress and a sure help in the times of trouble notice HE is a very present help in trouble. This means that God is watching over us at all times He is constant in His care for HIS children.

 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.  Psalm 46:1-7 (KJV)

The message that must penetrate each and every heart is that we serve a gracious good God.

The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knows them that trust in him.   Nahum 1:7 (KJV)

My prayer is that the God of all peace will keep our hearts and minds firmly stayed upon HIM. We fear tries to overtake us we must flee to the sure promises of the eternal Word of God. The Word of God is a lamp for our path during these dark days. Walk in the Light of God's Word here we find security and peace. (Psalm 119:130).