Rest: Where Can I Find Peace?

Community Study

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Notes for Teacher/Facilitator

Psalm 91 is a poem full of sugary sweet, audacious promises that seem not to mesh well with what those who follow Jesus experience in reality. On its face, this psalm seems to claim that the one who belongs to God will suffer no harm whatsoever. This, of course, does not line up with human experience, including the human experience of the godliest person ever, Jesus, who suffered a great deal. However, under closer examination, it may well be that this psalm was intended to be read to the king, perhaps on his inauguration or during other important times. There is some evidence for this. Firstly, the “you” beginning in v.3 is singular, which is odd in the book of Psalms. Most second-person pronouns are plural. Also, the “he” in v.14 and following likely also refers to the same person that the “you” does in v.3 and following. And furthermore, the promises, especially those concerning battle, are the sort that a king would like to hear. In other words, there is a compelling case for Psalm 91 to be directed at the king, much like “God Save the Queen” is sung in England and other places.

Here are a few notes about particular words in this psalm:

• “Dwells” (yashab) – v.1: This word literally means “to sit” and figuratively means “to remain” or “to dwell.” It implies a deep and ongoing connection with God.
• “Feathers…wings” (ebrah… kanaph) – v.4: Interestingly, both of these words are feminine and the metaphor that the psalmist is utilizing is that of a mother bird. It’s not often in the Bible that God is referred to in motherly ways, so when it occurs we should note it. (See also Matt 23:37-39 and Luke 13:34-35 where Jesus uses a similar image of himself.)
• “Terror” (pachad) – v.5: This word means “dread” and carries with it the idea of something which would cause great fear and anxiety due perhaps to personal experience.
• “Loves” (chashaq) – v.14: This word literally means “to be pressed together” or “to be attached to.” Figuratively it means “to love,” since the object of one’s love is something that one is closely attached to.
• “Acknowledges” (yada) – v.14: This word simply means “to know” but often carries with it knowledge that is based on experience and on a depth of relationship.

Introduction

• Open your class/community time with prayer. Ask the Spirit of God to reveal himself to all of you through the Scriptures and through your discussion together.
• Discuss last week’s challenge and encourage people to share how the challenge went for them.
• Begin by asking the group to discuss the following questions together: What do you do with promises in the Bible that seem outlandish, overly lavish, and unrealistic? Are we only to expect them to be fulfilled in heaven? Or can they be fulfilled in some sense in the here and now?

Bible Questions

• Throughout this psalm the author talks about how the Lord is his refuge and he appears to have things to need refuge from: pestilence, the wicked, enemies, general danger, etc. Are there things in your life that remind you that you need God as your refuge? How do you turn to him as your refuge?
• In v.4 the psalmist uses the metaphor of a mother bird protecting her young to describe God. What do you make of this metaphor? How does it add to your understanding of God and his love for us?
• Angels and their protection of people are the topics of vv.11-12. What do you learn about them in these verses? And what does this tell you about God?
• The promises in vv.14-16 are beautiful. What happens if we don’t experience these promises in our lives (divine answers, deliverance, long life, etc.)? How can our faith remain when it seems that God is distant?
• How might you share with a friend who is far from the Lord about God’s love and protection? Try to use simple, non-churchy words that your friend would understand.

Discussion Questions

• What emotions about God stir up in you as a result of reading this psalm? Explore them.
• How can we as a community help one another find peace under the protective feathers of God, our Father?
• If we were to dwell with God, love God, and know God more, how might that influence how we interact with those who are far from God? Would we be more or less attractive to them? Why?

Takeaway

When we dwell with, love, and know God he becomes our refuge, our home.

Challenge

What can you do this week to demonstrate that you dwell with God, love God, and know God?