THE COVENANT OF DIVINE PRESERVATION

THE COVENANT OF DIVINE PRESERVATION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 91:1-4

Key Verse: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” — Psalm 91:1, KJV

Supporting Texts: Psalm 91:5-16; Psalm 121:1-8; Isaiah 43:1-2; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Proverbs 18:10; Psalm 34:7; Exodus 12:13.

Description

Divine preservation is God's gracious protection and sustaining power over the lives of His people. This sermon explores the covenant privileges of dwelling in God's presence, trusting His covering, and walking in obedience while refusing to live in fear. God's preservation does not mean believers will never face difficulties; rather, it assures us that God is with us, sustains us, and remains our refuge through every season.

INTRODUCTION

Life is filled with dangers that we can see and many that we cannot see. Every day, people travel, work, sleep, conduct business, and carry out their responsibilities without knowing everything that may happen around them. Yet believers have the assurance that their lives are not left to chance. God is our refuge, our fortress, and our keeper. Psalm 91 presents a powerful picture of the person who dwells in the secret place of the Most High and abides under the shadow of the Almighty.

The covenant of divine preservation is rooted in God's character and His relationship with His people. He promised Israel, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee” (Isaiah 43:2). God's presence does not mean that we will never encounter trouble, but it means that trouble will not have the final authority over us. The Lord can preserve us in the midst of circumstances that appear threatening.

However, Psalm 91 begins with dwelling, not merely visiting. God's covering is connected with an ongoing relationship with Him. We must make God our habitation, trust His Word, walk in His ways, and remain under His authority. As we do so, we can confidently declare that the Lord is our refuge and that His faithfulness is our shield.

1. UNDERSTAND THE COVENANT OF DIVINE PRESERVATION

God desires to preserve His people according to His purpose.

a) God Is Our Refuge (Psalm 91:2)
A refuge is a place of safety, and God Himself is the believer's ultimate place of security.

b) God Is Our Fortress (Psalm 18:2)
A fortress speaks of protection and security against danger.

c) God Is Our Deliverer (Psalm 91:3)
The Lord is able to deliver His people from dangers both known and unknown.

d) God Is Our Covering (Psalm 91:4)
His faithfulness provides spiritual security to those who trust Him.

Biblical Example: Noah (Genesis 6:13-22). When judgment came upon the earth, God provided a place of preservation for Noah and his household.

2. DWELL IN THE SECRET PLACE OF THE MOST HIGH

Divine preservation begins with abiding in God's presence.

a) Dwell In God's Presence (Psalm 27:4)
The secret place represents intimate fellowship and continual communion with God.

b) Make God Your Habitation (Psalm 90:1)
The believer's security is strongest when God is not merely a visitor but his dwelling place.

c) Seek God Continually (1 Chronicles 16:11)
A consistent pursuit of God strengthens our relationship with Him.

d) Remain Under His Shadow (Psalm 91:1)
The shadow represents God's protective presence over those who remain close to Him.

Biblical Example: Moses (Exodus 33:14-15). Moses understood that God's presence was more important than the journey itself.

3. TRUST GOD'S COVERING IN TIMES OF DANGER

Faith enables us to remain confident when circumstances are frightening.

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)
The Lord is able to preserve His people from visible threats.

c) Trust God In The Midst Of Trouble (Isaiah 43:2)
God promises His presence when we pass through waters and fire.

d) Let Faith Overcome Fear (2 Timothy 1:7)
God has given us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.

Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 6:16-23). Daniel remained faithful to God despite the threat of the lions' den, and God preserved him.

4. GOD'S PRESERVATION COVERS EVERY AREA OF LIFE

God's keeping power extends beyond physical safety.

a) Preservation Of Your Life (Psalm 121:7)
The Lord is able to preserve His people from evil.

b) Preservation Of Your Family (Psalm 128:1-4)
God desires His blessing and protection to extend to our households.

c) Preservation Of Your Destiny (Psalm 138:8)
God is committed to completing what He has purposed concerning His people.

d) Preservation Of Your Faith (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
The Lord is faithful to strengthen and guard His people from evil.

Biblical Example: Joseph (Genesis 50:20). Despite betrayal, slavery, imprisonment, and hardship, God preserved Joseph and brought him into the purpose He had prepared for him.

5. GOD'S COVENANT PRESERVATION REQUIRES TRUST AND OBEDIENCE

We must respond to God's covenant with faith and obedience.

a) Trust The Lord Wholeheartedly (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Depend on God rather than allowing fear to control your decisions.

b) Walk In His Ways (Deuteronomy 5:33)
Obedience keeps us aligned with God's will.

c) Abide In Christ (John 15:4)
Continual fellowship with Christ is essential for spiritual stability.

d) Listen To God's Instructions (Psalm 32:8)
Divine guidance helps us avoid unnecessary dangers and wrong paths.

Biblical Example: Noah (Genesis 6:22). Noah obeyed God's instructions precisely, and his obedience positioned him and his household for preservation.

6. GOD'S PRESERVATION PRODUCES TESTIMONY

When God preserves us, our lives become evidence of His faithfulness.

a) Remember God's Deliverances (Psalm 103:2)
Never forget the things God has done for you.

b) Give God Thanks (Psalm 107:1-2)
Those whom God has redeemed should testify of His goodness.

c) Declare His Faithfulness (Psalm 40:1-3)
Your testimony can encourage others to trust God.

d) Use Your Testimony To Glorify God (Matthew 5:16)
God's preservation should cause others to see His goodness through your life.

Biblical Example: Paul (Acts 28:1-6). After surviving a shipwreck and a snakebite, Paul continued his assignment, demonstrating God's preserving hand upon his life.

CONCLUSION

The covenant of divine preservation gives the believer confidence in the faithfulness of God. We do not know everything that lies ahead, but we know the One who goes ahead of us. The Lord is our refuge, fortress, deliverer, and covering. His presence is greater than the dangers around us, and His faithfulness is stronger than every threat we may encounter.

Therefore, make God your dwelling place. Do not merely run to Him when trouble comes; abide in Him every day. Trust His Word, walk in obedience, maintain your prayer life, and refuse to live under the domination of fear. As you dwell under the shadow of the Almighty, may the Lord preserve your life, family, destiny, ministry, and everything committed into your hands, according to His perfect will.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for being my refuge, fortress, and keeper, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to dwell continually in Your secret place and abide under Your shadow, in Jesus name.

3. Father, preserve me and my household from every evil and danger, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, deliver me from every known and unknown danger along my journey, in Jesus name.

5. Father, preserve my destiny and let no power truncate Your purpose for my life, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, protect my family, ministry, work, and everything You have committed into my hands, in Jesus name.

7. Father, deliver me from fear and give me unwavering confidence in Your protection, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, give me grace to walk in obedience and remain under Your divine covering, in Jesus name.

9. Father, let Your presence go with me wherever I go and preserve me from every evil, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, preserve me to fulfil the number of my days and complete the assignment You have given me, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in.

2. You and your household shall remain under the shadow of the Almighty.

3. Every hidden danger on your path shall be exposed and overcome by God's preserving power.

4. You shall not become a victim of the terror of the night or the arrow that flies by day.

5. The Lord shall preserve your life, health, family, and destiny according to His will.

6. No weapon formed against God's purpose for your life shall prosper.

7. The Lord shall preserve you in every journey and assignment.

8. Your destiny shall not be truncated before its fulfilment.

9. You shall live to testify of the faithfulness and preserving power of God.

10. You shall dwell in the secret place of the Most High, abide under the shadow of the Almighty, and remain preserved by His power until you fulfil your God-given purpose, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.