“I will protect you, because you know my name” (Ps. 91:14, GW).
Psalm 91 is famous for its rich, beautiful description of our inheritance as children of God – specifically, that of protection from danger. For millions of Christians around the world, this little chapter has been a mainstay throughout the coronavirus pandemic. The precious words, “No evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent” have strengthened countless hearts throughout 2020 (v. 10, ESV). We cling to the promises of God during turbulent times.
Today, Holy Spirit drew my attention to this specific phrase in the psalm, as key to unlocking all its promises. “I will protect you, because you know my name” (Ps. 91:14, GW). Knowing His name. What does that mean? What is in a name? Consider this: whenever we see the name of the Lord referred to in Scripture, He is pointing us to His identity.
A name speaks of the identity of a person. If someone asks us, “Who are you?”, we tell them our name. This is how we identify ourselves. In the same way, God identifies Himself to us through His names. However, when He talks about us knowing His name, this is so much more than head knowledge. Head knowledge and memorization are certainly necessary on our spiritual journey. However, they are not sufficient to fully connect us into God’s promises. It’s heart knowledge of God that opens up direct entry into what He has for us.
When we know His name, when we know who He is, at a deep heart level, our faith rises up to access what He has provided for us in the blood of Jesus. “Those who know your name trust in you, O LORD” (Ps. 9:10, NLT). When we really and truly come to know Him, profound trust naturally results. Faith in His nature is forged. Faith is the currency of Heaven, some have said. Here’s what they mean by that: Faith is how we take a hold of what is already ours. By faith, we tap into our heavenly realm treasures and enjoy them in the natural realm.
In this case, it’s protection we are talking about. Jesus has purchased perfect protection for us at the cross. This psalm teaches us that we walk in it by abiding in Him. Abiding in Him is how we get to know Him. When we step into the shadow of the Almighty, we are snuggling up under His wings, cuddling into His chest. This is where we hear His heart beating with love for us. This is where we learn how secure we are.
Here’s the bottom line: the more intimately we know Him this way, the more we will walk in His protection. God says to our hearts, “I will protect you, because you know my name” (Ps. 91:14, GW).
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Has Psalm 91 been key for you, too, this year?
Feeding On Jesus 
Yes it has Jenn, as has Psalm 56:3-4: When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? (NIV)
These two verses allow me to know that we all get afraid sometimes, but that by placing and keeping our trust in God Almighty nothing can take us from His care.
There is a wonderful teaching aid available concerning the names of God. It is a book containing 52 Bible studies, each one examining a different name of God. It is written by Ann Spangler. I think it would be a good resource for any of your readers, especially those who lead bible studies.
Blessings to you My Sister,
Chuck
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Thank you so much for sharing that, Chuck. It does sound like such a wonderful resource. I absolutely love learning more about His names! That Scripture from Psalm 56 is SO good too. I also am comforted to know that mighty men of God also had to deal with the same human emotions we all do!
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I have been thinking about writing about Psalm 91 as well. Not sure how to approach it yet.
I love that you chose this passage that you did.
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I look forward to reading it! Please let me know when you do, I don’t want to miss it 🙂
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You betcha.
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Thanks! 😀
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Until just now I have not consciously been aware of it. Looking back, I see that God had me most securely under his wings. I started a job two days before we entered lockdown. My sister and two good friends invited me to live with them the day before lockdown. I have had a lot inspiration to write this year, and for the most part grabbed it with both hands, and run with it. I have had renewed motivation the work hard to get better at playing the guitar.
I pray for everyone whom is working hard to keep on keeping on in 2020. Kia kaha (stay strong) everyone.
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I loved hearing about His faithfulness to you in these specific ways — thank you! I don’t remember if I mentioned it before, but He has recently been stirring me to pick up the guitar again myself (it’s been over twenty years). Such a beautiful instrument!
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