I'll take the Psalm 91 protection plan

Would you like a gift receipt?

Would you like to purchase the extended warranty?

You ask, "How much is it?"

The cashier tells you that it is $14.97 for three years. The printer costs $53.

Extended warranties ... I seem to have only needed them for the items for which I didn't purchase it. And any time I did purchase it, I didn't need to use it. In both cases, I was out some cash.

When it comes to a gift, do you purchase the extended warranty for the item or give the joy of deciding to the recipient? "And a warranty! How thoughtful of you!"

Here's the thing about an extended warranty, it makes me think of a phrase: "They just don't make them like they used to." Do they expect it not to last?

Like it or not, we live in a culture that tends to discard and replace. "It was cheaper to buy a new one than repair the old one."

I recall from my childhood the care with which every string of Christmas lights was tested and then, 38 days later, every ornament was repacked and every string carefully wound and put away. Jan. 7 was a day of ritual -- the undecorating of the tree. As much care as surrounds the annual rewinding of the Torah was exhibited in the handling of the lights. "Don't let the bulbs clink!"

A replacement yellow bulb four-pack seemed to cost as much (back then) as a cheap strand of lights costs now. Every year that you didn't have to replace (and test) a bulb was money in the bank! Those spare bulbs were packed with extra special care. The cords were 12 gauge stranded copper wire. Now, LEDs are powered by wires the thickness of fishing line. They sure don't make them like they used to. ... I find that less than reassuring. People throw away the tree with the lights still on it. "We'll buy more next year."

Psalm 91 is an assuring psalm; it gives great comfort. Think of some of your fears and this psalm is the antidote.

Dislike snakes? Fret not. Don't like stone bruises on the heel of your foot? No problem. Fear an attack from a long bow or the arrow of cross bow? Don't. Fear of falling? Angels will catch you. Afraid of the dark? You can sleep under God's wing -- nice and cozy.

Psalm 91 is a psalm about guaranteed protection.

I find it a great comfort in a world where office parties turn violent and where gift purchases, appliance purchases, tool purchases and cell phone purchases all give one the opportunity to spend even more for "peace of mind." God gives longevity, long life (v.16).

A recent event caused me to need a rental car while mine was being repaired. I never added car rental to my auto insurance since we had a spare vehicle -- past tense. Now the weekly rental has exceeded several years of the rental add-on. I know when it comes time to reexamine my insurance, the rental car add-on will be just as agonizing a thought as the warranty protection for that DeWalt drill.

If money grew on trees, it would be a no-brainer. "Yes, add that to my policy. I hope I never have to use it, but it gives me 'peace of mind.' "

In the midst of your holiday shopping and pondering the need for the extended warranty, I hope there is a deeper, more profound "peace of mind" that comes your way. I hope there is the Psalm 91 type of deep assurance.

For those of us of the Christian tribe, I hope that in addition to assurance, there is also delight to be found. Psalm 91 begins by talking about the God who dwells "in the most high."

With Christ's birth, there is breath-taking joy for the believer. She basks in the good news of great joy that the Most High has come down to our lower elevation. God works with us on-site, in-home, down here.

So, do you want a protection plan that gives you peace of mind? Do you want something that is made like it used to be? Tell the cashier you want the PS91 plan -- it's good for eternity!

Jarred Hammet is the pastor of Macon's Northminster Presbyterian Church.

This story was originally published December 18, 2015 at 9:03 PM with the headline "I'll take the Psalm 91 protection plan ."