Psalms                               by Dr. Ralph Wilson

Lesson 6

Psalms: Trusting in God's Protection
(Psalms 61, 91, 121)

Psalm 61 -- Lead Me to the Rock that Is Higher than I

The Rock that is Higher than I (61:2c)

My Refuge and Strong Tower Against the Foe (61:3)

The Shelter of Your Wings (61:4)

Q1. (Psalm 61:1-4) What images does the psalmist evoke to communicate his trust in God's protection?

How do the first four verses of this psalm make you feel?

Psalm 91 -- Dwelling in the Shelter of the Most High

The Mighty Names of God (91:1-2)

Metaphors of Protection

The Fowler's Snare (91:3)

The Terror of Night (91:5-6)

It Will Not Come Near You (91:7-8)

Dwelling with the Most High (91:9-10)

Angels Protecting Us (91:11-12)

Power Over Evil Forces (91:13)

Because He Loves Me I Will Rescue Him (91:14-16)

Q2. (Psalm 91) What does this psalm teach us about God's protection when in danger?

What does it teach about our authority to vanquish our enemies?

What promises does Psalm 91 contain?

How does this psalm make you feel?

Psalms 56 and 57

Psalm 121 -- I Will Lift Up My Eyes to the Hills

I Lift Up My Eyes to the Hills (121:1-2)

The Lord Who Watches Over You (121:3-8)

Q3. (Psalm 121). What reassurance is it to you that God keeps you and watches over you?

How does Psalm 121 make you feel?

Will God Really Protect Us?

Q4. Since Christians don't seem immune to accident, persecution, and death, how are we to understand these psalms of protection?

Why don't some believers seem to be protected?

Does God really protect us?

How?

Exercise. For one of the psalms in this lesson -- or another psalm with a similar theme -- do one of the suggested exercises to help you experience the Psalms in Appendix 1. These include such things as praying a psalm, meditating, reading to a shut-in, paraphrasing, writing your own psalm, singing, preparing a liturgy, and memorizing. Then report to the forum what the exercise meant to you personally or share what you've written with others.

Prayer

Father, thank you for the knowledge of your intimate watch-care over us. Strengthen our faith, we pray. When we are afraid, help us to trust in you. Protect us from our human enemies and the enemy of our souls. And bring us intact, we pray, into your eternal Kingdom. In Jesus' mighty name, we pray. Amen.

Songs

• "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," words and music, Martin Luther (1529). Verse 1: Our Helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing...."
• "A Shelter in the Time of Storm," words: Vernon J. Charlesworth (1880), music by Ira D. Sankey (1885)
• "Dwelling Place," words and music by Walt Harrah (© 1986, Maranatha! Music). Psalm 91:1.
• "He Hideth My Soul in the Cleft of the Rock," words by Fanny Crosby (1890), music by William J. Kirkpatrick
• "Hear My Cry, O Lord, Listen to My Prayer," Psalm 61, unknown composer.
• "I Lift My Eyes Up," words and music by Brian Doerksen (© 1990 Vineyard Songs Canada, Admin. by Music Services). Psalm 121.
• "I Will Lift Up My Eyes," words and music by Dale Garratt (© 1970, Scripture in Song). Psalm 121.
• "In the Secret of His Presence," words: Ellen L. Goreh (1883), music: George C. Stebbins (1883)
• "Lead Me to the Rock," words and music by Lynn DeShazo (© 1989, Integrity's Hosanna! Music). Psalm 61:2
• "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms," words (1887) by Elisha A. Hoffman, music and refrain by Anthony J. Showalter (1858-1924).
• "On Eagle's Wings," words and music by Michael Joncas (© 1979, 1991, New Dawn Music), in the Chalice Hymnal (1995), #77.
• "Praise the Name of Jesus," ("He's my Rock, He's my Fortress...."), words and music by Roy Hicks, Jr. (©1976 Latter Rain Music, Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
• "Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me," words by Augustus Toplady (1776), music by Thomas Hastings (1830)
• "The Rock that Is Higher than I," words by Erastus Johnson (1871), music by William G. Fischer (1871). Psalm 61:2.
• "You Are My Hiding Place," words and music by Michael Ledner (© 1981 Maranatha! Music, Admin. by The Copyright Company). Psalm 32:7