Hope and encouragement message? This Easter? Yes, and here’s how we will do it as we look at Psalm 91, the first two verses.
First, for a hope and encouragement message, look at Psalm 91:1.
Psalm 91:1 says, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” To dwell means to live in, remain, or reside.
What is a shelter?
Verse 1 says we can live in the shelter of the Most High.
We can live in the shelter of the Most High. #shelter, #theMostHigh Share on XWhen I think of a shelter, I picture a place to protect us from the weather. It could be protection from a heat wave, pollen, snow, ice, or thunderstorms. One part of the country could have snow and ice. Simultaneously, another, sunshine and pollen.
Who is the Most High? God is. The Hebrew name is El Elyon, the God Most High.
Rest? This Easter we can rest. Why would I tell you that? Let’s look at Exodus 20:8, “For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”
Since God rested on the Sabbath, we can also do the same. I’ve tried to get by without rest and haven’t gained a thing. This Easter, I chose to rest. I’ve worked hard all week and need a break to recover for the following week.
In the shadow. This morning I took a picture of my hot pink hoodie after it dried. It rested on the kitchen table. All the blueberry stains had come out in the wash. My fingers formed a dark shape or shadow on the upper right corner where I placed them between my cell phone and the hoodie.
My hope is to rest my whole body, soul, and mind, not just a corner of my life, in the shadow of the Almighty. I want to rest in him not lord it over him or ignore him. What is your hope?
Second, for a hope and encouragement message, look at Psalm 91:2.
“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’” (Psalm 91:2 NIV).
What is a refuge?
It is a place of safety from the dangers of a pandemic or the pressures of care taking, divorce, and finances. Granted some people continue to go out every day without a mask and gloves, but that is their decision.
With the Lord as our refuge, we trust that whatever happens, he is in charge. He knows our past, present, and future and what’s best for us. My late mother used to say, “I don’t worry because I know everything will turn out good.” You can check God’s exact words on Mama’s expression in the following blogpost. Although the post is on Thanksgiving, the promise still applies.
Related article on my website:
Imagine a fortress. Perhaps a military installation with a wall around it for defense and protection. I remember the thrill of El Morro Fortress in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. I walked around the wall and touched it. It is at the entrance of the bay of San Juan, the capital, and survived many attacks from enemies and two major hurricanes.
Shut your eyes. Listen to the canon going off. Now shift to the hurricanes. Listen to the waves beating against El Morro. Hear the thunder.
I choose to trust God to be my fortress in any crisis — external or internal. He will build a hedge of protection around me. No one loves me more than he does, and nothing can separate me from his love.
God can be your fortress, too. No one will love you more than he does. Nothing or no one can separate you as a believer in Jesus Christ from God’s love.
External link:
Conclusion and Next Step:
For hope and encouragement this Easter look at:
- Psalm 91:1
- Psalm 91:2
Copyright © by Yvonne Ortega April 9, 2020
I am thankful for the hope found in God.
Melissa Henderson, I also am thankful for the hope found in God. I cannot imagine living without it or Him. Happy Easter.