The ninety-first Psalm is one of Christianity’s most beloved poems. Poetry intentionally invites us into the verbal landscape the poet is painting.
“Thus, the Psalm invites readers from diverse contexts to help shape the meaning of the Psalm by contributing their own answers….” The Oxford Handbook of the Psalms, Brennan Breed, page 298
This lesson is designed to view Psalm 91 through the lens of a deep longing for heaven.
Fundamentally, within every human is the God placed longing for ideal condition.
Ideal condition is revealed in the Bible as heaven.
For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. 2 Corinthians 5:1-5
The Apostle Paul reveals two foundations of our longings for heaven.
- We long (groan) for the beauty of God’s eternal building where we will dwell. Vs. 1-2
- We long (groan) for the ending of the current burdens of our earthly home. Vs. 4
| He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” | The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. 6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah Psalm 46 |
3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. 5 You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. 9 Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my refuge— 10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. 12 On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. | and death shall be no more – Rev. 21:4 5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, Rev. 22:5 10 and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Rev. 20:10 The dwelling place of God is with man – Rev. 21:3 neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Rev. 21:4 |
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14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will
deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. 15 When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. | “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:1-3 |
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16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” | And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. Rev. 22:5 |
Place your trust in Jesus for salvation today.
Follow your deepest longings and they will lead you to God.
Rejoice, with great anticipation, the amazing future God has prepared for those who trust in His Son.
How Beautiful Heaven Must Be by Bland and Bridgewater
- We read of a place that’s called heaven,
It’s made for the pure and the free;
These truths in God’s Word He hath given,
How beautiful heaven must be.- Refrain:
How beautiful heaven must be,
Sweet home of the happy and free;
Fair haven of rest for the weary,
How beautiful heaven must be.
- Refrain:
- In heaven no drooping nor pining,
No wishing for elsewhere to be;
God’s light is forever there shining,
How beautiful heaven must be. - Pure waters of life there are flowing,
And all who will drink may be free;
Rare jewels of splendor are glowing,
How beautiful heaven must be. - The angels so sweetly are singing,
Up there by the beautiful sea;
Sweet chords from their gold harps are ringing,
How beautiful heaven must be.