Introduction: This grouping of words has been ringing in my soul calling for a response.
[I will say of the Lord] This is my experience: “He is my fortress, and in him will I continually trust.”
- Place of Dwelling – ‘He that dwells…’
The ‘Dwelling’ – yashab {yaw-shab’}
Meaning: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay
Luke 10:38-42
- The Person of the Promise(s)
- In Him there is help.
- In Him there is hope.
- The Pledge of Protection
Transition: So let me state of couple of declarations I am making today.
I will say of the Lord:
- He is my refuge and my strength – Psalm 46:1
Similar to Psalm 91 is Psalm 46:1, ‘God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble’. (NKJ)
[God is our refuge] It begins abruptly, but nobly; ye may trust in whom and in what ye please: but GOD (‘ELOHIYM) is our refuge and strength.
Though complicated and not simplistic, Elohiym is the first word used for God. ‘In the beginning Elohiym created the heavens and the earth’… he who began it all. In Hebrew the meaning is literally ‘God’ or ‘Gods.’
[A very present help] A help found to be very powerful and effectual in straits and difficulties. The words are very emphatic:, “He is found an exceeding, or superlative help in difficulties.”
Transition:I will say of the Lord he is:
- A shield for me, Glory and the lifter of my head – Psalm 3:3
- A shield = for /around/about
- Psalms 3:3
- As a shield covers and defends the body from the strokes of an adversary, so wilt thou cover and defend me from them that rise up against me
Glory = honor, glory of my abundance
Lifter of my head – You will restore me to the state from which my enemies have cast me down.
- This is the meaning of the phrase; and this he speaks prophetically. He was satisfied that the deliverance would take place, hence, his confidence in prayer; so that we find him, with comparative unconcern, laying himself down in his bed, expecting the sure protection.
Application: I will wake up in the morning, lift my head once again in the confidence and assurance of God’s provision(s).
Transition: I will say of the Lord:
- Joy unspeakable and full of glory – 1 Peter 1:8
‘whom having not seen1 you love2. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory’, (NKJ)
There are multitudes upon multitued who can say that their happiness when they first had evidence that their sins were forgiven, that the burden of guilt was rolled away, and that they were the children of God, was unspeakable.
unspeakable joy = Not enough words to express!
Full of Glory – (1) Of anticipated glory-of the prospect of enjoying the glory of heaven.(2) Of present glory-with a joy even now which is of the same nature as that in heaven; a happiness the same in kind, though not in degree, as that which will be ours in a brighter world.
Transition: I will say of the Lord:
- Constant copanion and comforter – John 14:16
“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever– (NKJ)
Paraclete – another one like me…to always be; always comfort; always guide; always provide!
Transition: I will say of the Lord:
- Reason for my existence and purpose – Acts 17:28
“for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said,`For we are also His offspring.’ (Act NKJ)
- Jesus is our identity!
- Jesus is our purpose!
- Jesus is our motivation!

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