In His Shadow

My, Devotion to Him #301

Verse Passage: Psalm 91:1 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” – ESV

One day my family and I were outside doing different activities. It was hot and humid. The sun was unforgiving as its light rays blazed down, heating up anything and everything it touched. My daughter stood close enough and at the right angle that my shadow relieved her. She found a safe place to dwell that would give her shelter from direct sunlight, a place that would shield her from the sun’s extreme heat. She would still be exposed to the hot air but was covered from the most severe parts. 

I have found this verse fascinating not only due to the nature of its passage but also because it’s Psalm 91:1, and when you take the verse number and then see what’s inside, I can’t help but find a connection to our understanding of 911. 

God is the safe place. The One we run to, the One we call upon. We know that when He arrives on the scene, everything will be much better, and a sense of security will come over us. There is very much a correlation. Back in Biblical times, they had no understanding of 911. This is another example of God putting a little gem within His Word for us now in the present time when those numbers mean something to us. I am not suggesting that the rest of the Bible is irrelevant. However, there are parts in the Word that I believe we can connect to other things in present times.

The word “dwell” used in this verse means “to take up residence” God reminds us and calls us to stay within His presence. There can be residence. It’s not just for visitation. He has always wanted more than visitors but permanent residents that dwell in the presence. The Word says that when we do this, we find shelter.

The word “abide” means to keep up a habit of closeness. God reminds us here that it is not a one-time act that allows us to dwell but a constant act. We should always be leaning into Him, pouring out to Him, drawing from Him like a fountain. It is here that we find rest and relief in His shadow. 

We find relief from the intense heat when we are within the shadow. Though struggles are ahead, we can rest assured knowing we won’t face the full pressure as we dwell in the presence. His shadow diminishes the full effect.

God continues on in Psalm 91 by declaring promises. He says He will “Rescue, protect, answer, stay by our side, deliver, honor, satisfy, and show salvation.”

Even though God does not guarantee that we won’t face hard times, He declares He’ll be with us, rescue us, protect us, and shine His favor over us. Don’t doubt it for a second! He is good, and we will never fully know how much He has sheltered us in this life. Continue to dwell and abide in the shadow of the Lord. 

Thank Him for His presence. Thank Him that He has gone before us and covers behind us. Thank Him for being in our midst and for who He is!

God bless,

Copyright © 2022 by Jacob Olinger