He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 (NASB)
Every time I read Psalms 91:1, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty” I feel a sense of peace. Why do I love this verse so much and find such comfort in it? I’m really not sure. It may be what’s going on in my life or the visual of finding refuge in a God who is strong and powerful. I call this my “9-1-1 verse”—the verse I meditate on when I’m in need of hope!
I don’t know about you, but it appears to me that life is getting harder! At Cup of Joy we have the privilege of praying for so many women and the prayer requests are getting tougher. We love to pray so the more we are asked to pray the happier we are! However, along with the joy that comes from the privilege of praying for our sweet friends the heavier our hearts become from the struggles so many are facing. So when I feel discouraged, hopeless, or just need a reminder that I have a great God who is with me, I turn to my 9-1-1 verse: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Shelter is a place of protection from anything that may cause harm and will provide a place of refuge. The shelter does not prevent storms it just provides protection. It is a given that we are going to have storms, heartaches, and disappointments in this world—Jesus assured us tribulation will come in this world. We are no longer in the Garden of Eden and there’s no way to go back. So how do we live in this world when there appears to be no hope? Jesus is our hope! If we try to find comfort in anything apart from God, we build our hope on something that can be easily taken from us. In other words, there’s nothing this world can offer that is guaranteed to last.
If we depend on friends, they will fail us.
If we depend on our finances, they may run out.
If we depend on our family, personality, talents, or anything tangible, we depend on something we may lose.
Jesus is the only One who has promised to never leave us or forsake us. He promised to give us strength in the midst of heartaches, failures, and disappointments. He is our hope! He is the strength that will protect us as we rest under His wing. He alone is our refuge, our strength and our hope!
It’s one thing to be in a storm; it’s another to be destroyed by the storm. When we find our shelter in the Most High God, we find that His shadow alone is enough for us to enjoy His peace. Would we prefer not to be in the storm? Of course! But is this realistic knowing what is surrounding us daily? No! God in His sovereignty gave us a way of escape—escape from the destruction of the storm not the storm!
Can you imagine what David must have experienced as a shepherd boy as he worked to protect his sheep from the dangers of other animals, his enemies, and the adverse effects of nature? David knew God was the One who gave him the strength to tackle whatever threatened his safety and the safety of his sheep. David found shelter and refuge in knowing God’s eye was on Him and in His presence he found peace. Our God promised to be with us in every situation. He did not promise freedom from tribulation but He does promise freedom in Him. God’s presence in the midst of the storm gives us assurance that He is aware of our present situation and His strength is enough for us to ride out the storm.
When you need hope read Psalm 91:1. Hope and strength is yours for the asking. You have a God who understands your hurt, gathers your tears, and holds you close to Him. He promises that when this life passes He will call us home to a place He has prepared for us. We will live with Him forever! (John 14:1-2) Until we see Him face to face, we can rest in His strength! REST in Him and let Him protect you. He has more strength than you do! Maybe it is time for you to snuggle up under His wing and find your refuge in Him! He’s waiting for you!
Further Reading
John 16:33
