Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary
Episode: Psalms 91 and 93: God Is Protector and King
Host: Nathan W. Bingham
Speaker: Dr. W. Robert Godfrey
Release Date: June 21, 2025
Series: Learning to Love the Psalms by Ligonier Ministries
Introduction
In this insightful episode of Renewing Your Mind, Nathan W. Bingham introduces listeners to Dr. W. Robert Godfrey's exploration of Psalms 91 and 93. This episode delves deep into the themes of God's protection and sovereignty, drawing connections between various Psalms to provide a comprehensive understanding of God's character and promises to His people.
Book 4 of Psalms: The King's Comfort in God's Faithfulness
Timestamp: [00:00] - [01:47]
Dr. Godfrey begins by contextualizing Book 4 of Psalms, encompassing Psalms 90 through 106. He emphasizes that this collection serves as a source of comfort during times of crisis, urging believers to look back at God's past faithfulness to find hope amidst present troubles.
- Key Themes:
- God as Creator and Covenant Keeper: The Psalms encourage reflecting on God's role as the Creator and His steadfast covenants, especially those established with Moses.
- Historical Reflection: Psalms 105 and 106 review Israel's history, highlighting both blessings and failures, reinforcing the notion that crises are ongoing and not fully resolved within Book 4.
Notable Quote:
"Book four takes us forward, but doesn't get us all the way there. We have to wait for book five for that."
— Dr. W. Robert Godfrey [01:20]
Deep Dive into Psalm 91: God's Protection
Timestamp: [01:47] - [24:12]
Psalm 91 is unpacked as a profound meditation on God's promise of protection and deliverance. Dr. Godfrey explores its connections to Deuteronomy 32 and 33, emphasizing the assurance of blessing after times of judgment and suffering.
- Promises of Protection:
- Divine Refuge: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty." (Psalm 91:1)
- Angelology: Angels are described as protectors, commanded by God to guard believers in all their ways.
Notable Quotes:
"Psalm 91, in a sense, is a great meditation on that promise that after exile, after suffering, after loss, will come days of blessing."
— Dr. W. Robert Godfrey [03:15]
"The evil one tried to make it frivolous. He tried to make it frivolous."
— Dr. W. Robert Godfrey [14:50]
Jesus and Psalm 91: Dr. Godfrey highlights how Jesus Himself referenced Psalm 91 during His temptation, using it to counter Satan's challenges without misinterpreting its meaning. This underscores the psalm's depth and the necessity of understanding Scripture in context.
- Application and Misuse: While Psalm 91 offers profound promises, it warns against trivializing these assurances. The devil's misuse of the psalm during Jesus' temptation serves as a cautionary tale against superficial interpretations.
Angels as Ministering Spirits: Dr. Godfrey discusses Hebrews 1:14, explaining that angels are "ministering spirits to help us," reinforcing their role in God's protective scheme without undermining God's sovereignty.
Notable Quote:
"The only way to find the truth of Scripture is to compare Scripture with Scripture."
— Dr. W. Robert Godfrey [19:30]
Exploring Psalm 93: God's Majesty and Power
Timestamp: [24:12] - [26:04]
Psalm 93 is presented as a testament to God's unshakable rule and majestic power. Dr. Godfrey translates the psalm to capture its rhythmic beauty and emphasizes its message of God's eternal sovereignty over chaos and creation.
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Structure and Rhythm: Unlike Old English poetry, Hebrew poetry relies on rhythm rather than rhyme. Psalm 93's shifting syllabic patterns mirror the unfolding majesty of God.
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Themes:
- Majesty and Strength: "The Lord rules clothed in splendor; the Lord is clothed with strength." (Psalm 93:1)
- Supremacy Over Chaos: The psalm contrasts God's stable throne with the chaotic sea, illustrating that no turmoil can undermine His sovereignty.
Notable Quotes:
"The poem really moves through, first saying, God is majestic, and then it says, God is powerful, God is mighty... then we see that God is also mindful of his people, of his purposes."
— Dr. W. Robert Godfrey [25:45]
"The real point being made here is... the sea can't undermine his throne, cannot topple him."
— Dr. W. Robert Godfrey [25:55]
Conclusion: Trusting in God's Sovereignty
Dr. Godfrey concludes by reinforcing the central message of these Psalms: God is both Protector and King. His sovereignty ensures that, despite life's chaos and challenges, believers can trust in His unfailing promises and rely on His divine protection.
Final Thoughts:
- God’s Purpose and Goodness: The Psalms direct believers to God's Word and worship as foundational in experiencing His rule and protection.
- Living in Faith: Recognizing God's majesty and protection encourages a life of faithfulness and trust, even when circumstances seem tumultuous.
Notable Quote:
"The BDSM is a beautiful little song that directs the people to the Lord, but as we close, we see it also directs the people to His Word and to his worship as central in their experience of his rule."
— Dr. W. Robert Godfrey [26:00]
Key Takeaways
- God's Eternal Sovereignty: Both Psalm 91 and 93 highlight God's unmatched power and steadfast rule over all creation.
- Protection Through Faith: Trusting in God's promises provides comfort and security, even in the midst of chaos.
- Role of Angels: Angels serve as divine protectors, not as replacements for God's direct intervention, but as part of His comprehensive care for His people.
- Scriptural Integrity: Understanding and interpreting Scripture in its entirety ensures a faithful and accurate grasp of God's promises and intentions.
This episode serves as a profound reminder of the depth and richness of the Psalms, encouraging believers to delve deeper into Scripture to renew their minds and strengthen their faith.