Psalm 91:1
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
In this simple verse lies one of the most reassuring promises any person could have in this ever chaotic world. What a wonderful promise this is; from an Almighty God no less, the Creator of everything in existence, the One who holds the whole world in the palm of His hands.
Despite the cloud of glory, God’s mercy has opened the way for us to approach Him and commune with Him intimately every day of our lives. Our relationship with Christ here on this Earth is just a foretaste of the eternal joyfulness that we will enjoy one day with God in His Heavenly Kingdom.
This is great news that we should not take for granted, for it was not always so easy to approach God so directly. Under the old covenant, only the High Priest could enter into the Holy of Holies. Today, because of the redemption through Christ, God calls each one of us the Temple of the Living God Himself.
As we abide daily in God’s presence, through prayers and through His scriptures, He assures us safety and security no matter the circumstances surrounding us. The word “shadow” here brings to mind a shelter, covering, or protection from the heat and storms of life. Just as a mighty tree’s looming branches shelters a traveller from the hot sun, God provides refuge and protection wherever and whatever challenges we face.
Psalm 91 is one of the most encouraging verses in Scripture. It reminds us of God’s stature. “Most High” indicates that there is no other power or threat or problem that is greater than Him, and “Almighty” means that He is mightier than anything in existence.
We get another reminder of this through the words of the psalmist in Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
These verses and many others remind us that God is ever-present to help us in whatever challenges of life we are going through. We only need to keep ourselves close to Him. Indeed it is a great privilege that an Almighty Being such as God has chosen to call us His children. It is a measure of His immense compassion and love. Despite His power and majesty, He yearns for intimacy with us. In this world full of darkness and chaos, this is the most important and encouraging detail of life that we will ever come across. God Himself is our dwelling place.
NOTE: This reflection is an adaptation of one of many reflections in the book 365 Encouraging Verses of the Bible.
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Jason Law
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