IT SHALL NOT COME NEAR ME
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Psalm 91:5-7
Key Verse: “There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.” — Psalm 91:10, KJV
Supporting Texts: Psalm 91:1-16; Psalm 23:4; Isaiah 43:1-2; Isaiah 54:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Psalm 121:7-8; Proverbs 18:10.
Description
Fear of tragedy can paralyse the heart and make people expect the worst. Psalm 91 teaches believers to place their confidence in God's presence, protection, and faithfulness. This sermon encourages believers to reject fear, trust God's promises, and stand confidently in Christ while exercising wisdom and responsibility in daily life.
INTRODUCTION
Fear is one of the greatest weapons that can attack the human mind. News of accidents, sudden deaths, disasters, violence, sickness, and other tragedies can create anxiety about what may happen next. But God does not want His children to live under the domination of fear. Psalm 91 declares that those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High can rest under the shadow of the Almighty. Our confidence is not that nothing difficult will ever happen in the world, but that God remains our refuge and keeper through every circumstance.
The psalmist specifically mentions “the terror by night” and “the arrow that flieth by day.” These expressions remind us that danger may come at different times and in different forms. Yet the believer is called to trust God's protection rather than surrender to fear. The presence of danger does not mean the absence of God. Even when Daniel entered the lions' den, God was there. Even when the three Hebrew children entered the fiery furnace, God was there.
Therefore, our declaration must be rooted in faith: “IT SHALL NOT COME NEAR ME.” This is not a declaration of carelessness or a claim that Christians are immune from every hardship. It is a declaration of confidence that God is our refuge, that His purposes for us cannot be defeated, and that we will not allow fear to control our lives. We trust God, obey His Word, exercise wisdom, and rest in His preserving power.
1. REFUSE TO LIVE UNDER THE FEAR OF TRAGEDY
Fear magnifies danger and diminishes our awareness of God's greatness.
a) Do Not Fear The Terror By Night (Psalm 91:5)
God calls His people to trust Him even when dangers are unseen.
b) Do Not Fear The Arrow By Day (Psalm 91:5)
Visible threats must not become greater in our minds than the power of God.
c) Reject The Spirit Of Fear (2 Timothy 1:7)
God has given believers power, love, and a sound mind.
d) Fix Your Mind On God's Faithfulness (Isaiah 26:3)
Peace comes when our minds remain focused on God.
Biblical Example: David (1 Samuel 17:45-47). While others were terrified by Goliath, David focused on the greatness of God.
2. GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND COVERING
Our confidence comes from where we dwell, not from our ability to predict everything that will happen.
a) Dwell In The Secret Place (Psalm 91:1)
The secret place represents intimate fellowship and dependence upon God.
b) Make God Your Refuge (Psalm 91:2)
God Himself is the believer's ultimate place of safety.
c) Trust His Faithfulness (Psalm 91:4)
God's faithfulness is described as a shield and buckler.
d) Run Into The Strong Tower (Proverbs 18:10)
The name of the Lord provides security for those who trust Him.
Biblical Example: Noah (Genesis 7:1-23). Noah trusted God's instruction and entered the ark while judgment came upon the earth.
3. GOD CAN PRESERVE YOU FROM HIDDEN DANGERS
Not every danger is visible to human eyes, but nothing is hidden from God.
a) He Delivers From Hidden Traps (Psalm 91:3)
God is able to deliver His people from dangers they cannot see.
b) He Knows What You Do Not Know (Psalm 139:1-4)
God knows every circumstance before it becomes visible to us.
c) He Watches Over Your Steps (Psalm 121:3–4)
The Lord does not sleep or become careless concerning His people.
d) He Gives Wisdom For Safe Decisions (James 1:5)
Divine wisdom helps us recognise and avoid unnecessary dangers.
Biblical Example: Joseph (Genesis 50:20). Although Joseph experienced many painful circumstances, God preserved him through them and brought His purpose to pass.
4. GOD'S PRESENCE IS GREATER THAN THE PRESENCE OF DANGER
The believer's greatest assurance is not the absence of trouble but the presence of God.
a) God Is With You In The Waters (Isaiah 43:2)
God promises His presence when we pass through difficult circumstances.
b) God Is With You In The Fire (Isaiah 43:2)
The fire may be real, but it cannot separate God's people from His presence.
c) God Is With You In The Valley (Psalm 23:4)
David feared no evil because he knew the Shepherd was with him.
d) God Is With You In The Battle (Deuteronomy 20:4)
God goes with His people to fight for them and give them victory.
Biblical Example: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3:24–27). God did not merely watch them from outside the furnace; He was with them in it.
5. STAND ON GOD'S PROMISE OF PRESERVATION
Faith stands upon what God has spoken.
a) God Promises To Preserve His People (Psalm 121:7-8)
The Lord watches over His people continually.
b) God Promises To Deliver From Evil (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
The Lord is faithful and able to strengthen and guard His people.
c) God Promises His Presence (Matthew 28:20)
Christ promises to remain with His followers.
d) God's Word Gives Confidence (Romans 10:17)
Faith grows as we hear and receive God's Word.
Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 6:20-23). Daniel trusted God, and the Lord shut the mouths of the lions.
6. BUILD A LIFE THAT DWELLS IN GOD'S PRESENCE
Psalm 91 begins with a condition: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High.” Our confidence must be accompanied by a genuine relationship with God.
a) Maintain A Prayer Life (Luke 18:1)
Prayer keeps us connected to God.
b) Walk In Obedience (Deuteronomy 10:12–13)
Obedience demonstrates that our trust in God is genuine.
c) Abide In Christ (John 15:4)
Spiritual security grows from continual fellowship with Jesus.
d) Trust God Daily (Proverbs 3:5–6)
Do not allow fear to replace confidence in God's direction.
Biblical Example: Enoch (Genesis 5:24). Enoch's life was characterised by walking with God.
7. DECLARE FAITH INSTEAD OF FEAR
Our words should agree with God's promises rather than magnify our fears.
a) Speak God's Word (Psalm 118:17)
Faith-filled declarations remind us of God's purpose and power.
b) Declare God's Protection (Psalm 91:2)
We can confidently confess that the Lord is our refuge and fortress.
c) Praise God Before The Victory (Psalm 34:1)
Praise demonstrates confidence in God's faithfulness.
d) Testify Of God's Faithfulness (Psalm 40:1–3)
Remembering previous deliverances strengthens faith for present challenges.
Biblical Example: Caleb (Numbers 13:30). While others magnified the giants, Caleb declared confidence in God's ability to give Israel the land.
CONCLUSION
Believers must not allow the fear of tragedy to dominate their hearts. Psalm 91 gives us a powerful picture of God's protection, but its foundation is our relationship with Him. We are called to dwell in His secret place, trust His faithfulness, follow His instructions, and refuse to allow fear to control our decisions. We should also exercise wisdom and take reasonable precautions rather than treating faith as an excuse for recklessness.
Therefore, stand confidently upon God's Word. When fear says, “Something terrible will happen,” faith says, “God is my refuge and my fortress.” When circumstances appear threatening, remember that God's presence is greater than the threat. IT SHALL NOT COME NEAR ME becomes a declaration of faith: I belong to God, I trust His protection, I will walk wisely, and I will not surrender my heart to fear.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, thank You for being my refuge, fortress, and keeper, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, deliver me from every fear of tragedy, sudden disaster, and calamity, in Jesus name.
3. Father, let Your preserving hand rest upon me and my household, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, deliver me from every hidden danger and unseen trap, in Jesus name.
5. Father, preserve my going out and my coming in, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, give me wisdom to make decisions that protect my life, family, and destiny, in Jesus name.
7. Father, let Your presence accompany me wherever I go and keep me from evil, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, silence every voice of fear speaking against my peace and confidence, in Jesus name.
9. Father, preserve my destiny and let me live to fulfil the number of my days according to Your will, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, establish me and my household under Your divine covering, and let Your faithfulness continually speak for us, in Jesus name.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You shall not be a victim of tragedy in the name of Jesus.
2. The Lord shall preserve your life and the lives of your household.
3. Every terror assigned to disturb your peace shall lose its power over you.
4. You shall not be overcome by fear; the peace of God shall rule your heart.
5. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in.
6. Every hidden danger on your path shall be exposed and overcome according to God's will.
7. Your family, destiny, ministry, and divine assignment shall be preserved.
8. You shall dwell under the shadow of the Almighty and remain secure in His presence.
9. You shall live to declare the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
10. Therefore, I declare by faith: IT SHALL NOT COME NEAR ME, IT SHALL NOT COME NEAR MY DWELLING, AND I SHALL REMAIN UNDER THE COVERING OF THE ALMIGHTY, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
