Enfolded: A Reflection on God’s Psalm 91 PromisesIhe Nhụchatụ

The grand finale of this great psalm of comfort and counsel is a direct visit between God and any believer. In verses 14-16, The enfolded psalmist meets three spiritual conditions (bolded), and The Enfolder makes several personal commitments (numbered).

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, (1) “I will rescue him; (2) I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and (3) I will answer him; (4) I will be with him in trouble, (5) I will deliver him and (6) honor him. With long life (7) I will satisfy him and (8) show him my salvation.

What are the characteristics of those who are enfolded?

They love God. The enfolded put the First Commandment into operation. Love is the foundational core of our relationship with God. This foundational core expands around the four nouns of Hebrew anthropology—first-love of the heart, real-love of the soul, truth-love in the mind, and full-love in strength.

They know God’s name. Hebrew naming practices capture character. The psalmist is immersed in the Only One who occupies the supreme position, possesses the absolute ability, exhibits steadfast love, and displays original activity. The psalmist and his people experienced attacks of disease and death. Still, those circumstances did not make them flinch concerning the good character, full abilities, and right purposes of their God. The dweller abides in His known promises of a protected long life even if the exceptional circumstance of terminal disease and premature death is experienced in the unknown purposes of an all-good, all-able, all-right God. “Acknowledgment” is not only believing in God’s name; it is making God’s name known through public confession.

They call on God. Beyond confession, the enfolded call on God in intercession. They petition God's protection and preservation. This third characteristic becomes concrete in the unequivocal offer of our Lord, "Truly, truly, I say to you, if you shall ask the Father for anything, He will give it to you in My name. Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full" (John 16:23-24). Jesus's invitation to use His name in prayer with God is unique among religious claims. Can you believe you know God's name? Has anyone else given you the privilege of using his name to gain access to God and His action? Call on God in Jesus's name!