Is the NT more inclined to provide calm during storms than cessation of them?

[EarlyActs]

A recent sermon on Ps 91 has me thinking that generally the OT is more apt to claim an actual change of circumstances than the NT. The list of circumstances in Ps 91 is huge and the outcome is always individual victory, even when thousands beside you fail or succumb. And why just the individual?

In the NT, for ex., Rom 8 (end) or Phil 4's list (of things for our minds to focus upon), there is more of a coping strategy than an individual victory. Phil 1 has the either/or solution as well: whether I stay or go, I thrive in Christ. I'm all for changes of circumstances but the strong person will manage even in the worst around him. Likewise the NT speaks of "we" rather than the individual.

There is one other alternative here: that Ps 91 is mostly between the Father and the Son ("he will give his angels charge of you"), and that we should look for encouragement that is not direct about our own circumstances.

 

[Soyeong]

A recent sermon on Ps 91 has me thinking that generally the OT is more apt to claim an actual change of circumstances than the NT. The list of circumstances in Ps 91 is huge and the outcome is always individual victory, even when thousands beside you fail or succumb. And why just the individual?

In the NT, for ex., Rom 8 (end) or Phil 4's list (of things for our minds to focus upon), there is more of a coping strategy than an individual victory. Phil 1 has the either/or solution as well: whether I stay or go, I thrive in Christ. I'm all for changes of circumstances but the strong person will manage even in the worst around him. Likewise the NT speaks of "we" rather than the individual.

There is one other alternative here: that Ps 91 is mostly between the Father and the Son ("he will give his angels charge of you"), and that we should look for encouragement that is not direct about our own circumstances.

To me, Psalms 91 is strongly about God protecting us through the storm.

 

[EarlyActs]

To me, Psalms 91 is strongly about God protecting us through the storm.

Yes, but the question was whether there is more emphasis in the NT on enduring without a change in the external, when unprotected. Notice how in Rom 8 the believer is in all kinds of harsh events, even death.

 

[Arial]

Yes, but the question was whether there is more emphasis in the NT on enduring without a change in the external, when unprotected. Notice how in Rom 8 the believer is in all kinds of harsh events, even death.

We are promised persecution and suffering. We also have an amazing promise to look forward to. God does not always bring us out of trouble but He always carries us through them. And we will arrive safely Home. Suffering produces endurance and strengthens our faith. The NT is quite often offering encouragement to stand our ground. The sufferings of this world are as nothing compared to the joy that awaits us.

Think of what the martyrs endured and stood firm. Are we prepared to do the same?

 

[Soyeong]

Yes, but the question was whether there is more emphasis in the NT on enduring without a change in the external, when unprotected. Notice how in Rom 8 the believer is in all kinds of harsh events, even death.

I think that there is much more continuity between the OT and the NT that many people give it credit for.

 

[EarlyActs]

We are promised persecution and suffering. We also have an amazing promise to look forward to. God does not always bring us out of trouble but He always carries us through them. And we will arrive safely Home. Suffering produces endurance and strengthens our faith. The NT is quite often offering encouragement to stand our ground. The sufferings of this world are as nothing compared to the joy that awaits us.

Think of what the martyrs endured and stood firm. Are we prepared to do the same?

Did Ps 91 paint an expectation that we would always escape?

 

[prism]

I believe the NT provides more calm because it puts forth 'a better covenant'.

Hebrews 8:6 NKJV
But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.

 

[Arial]

Did Ps 91 paint an expectation that we would always escape?

Not escape out of but always through for His covenant people. The Psalms give us a great picture of God's relationship with His covenant people---not just the old covenant but any covenant. Obviously the OT people, even those with faith suffered great losses and eventually died.

 

[Bob Carabbio]

Is the NT more inclined to provide calm during storms than cessation of them?​

Yes.

Next question??

 

[EarlyActs]

Yes.

Next question??

Corr: "depict" not provide. Tell me what Heb 11:32-38 means relative to this.

I have since realized that Ps 91 is (paradoxically) more about individual safety than ending hardship. If it weren't that it was about Christ, I would find that very strange; why would a song be sung in ancient Israel that was happy that 10K died right beside you, while you were fine? Really?

 

[Bob Carabbio]

Corr: "depict" not provide. Tell me what Heb 11:32-38 means relative to this.

Calm in the storm. What's the question?

I have since realized that Ps 91 is (paradoxically) more about individual safety than ending hardship.

And??

If it weren't that it was about Christ, I would find that very strange; why would a song be sung in ancient Israel that was happy that 10K died right beside you, while you were fine? Really?

Don't be silly!!! what could be more logical - 10,000 are killed, and you're NOT. Sounds like cause for rejoicing to me!!!