Sheltered

He who dwells in the secret place of the most high, shall abide under the shadow of the almighty. 

(Psalm 91:1, NKJV)

Nature is one thing that I never tire to learn from, the beauty and power it communicates to us.  It clearly manifests the purpose for its creation by the Father, the creator of all.  Though human beings seek to modify what we have, nature waits in its season and presents to us what it was meant to do.  Unfortunately, we have also interfered with seasons and times all in our pride and attempt to control even that which has been so freely given to us.  So we now talk of climate change and the devastation that is being experienced in different parts of the world, and we attempt to develop mitigation measures to undo what we have already done.  With severe climate changes, many are being exposed to dire situations requiring help.  The floods, the fires, the droughts, the hunger etc., all remind us that we need help, that we are really not in control but must depend on a higher power, the author of life – the most high God.  These realities draw us to the realization that we need shelter, some covering, some protection, without which our habitat will be destroyed.

Our reference verse is one which is often recited and presents strong imagery that we can identify with.  It gives us a situation where we need God’s covering hand of love..  Picture with me a noon day sun which is bright and hot, so that what one needs is a cool space where he is removed from the danger of the hot sun.  Clearly, the shade availed will depend on where one is, if one is near a building or a tree, standing under the tree will give some relief.  However, if one is in a desert where there is no covering, then the scorching sun will continue to disturb him.  Beloved, where we are determines the covering we get.  The verse tells us that God gives shelter to those who dwell in His secret place.  Dwelling suggests to us, staying in a place, having a place of habitation where we belong and settle.  With this imagery, the verse calls us to find our habitation in God alone, in His secret place where we enter and find our shelter from the ravaging elements of life.  When we get to where God is, He has a way of protecting, sheltering us and covering us from the dangers around us.   Beloved, this is not necessarily a physical place, it is where our hearts are, focusing on God and acknowledging His presence.  King David makes reference to being hidden by God many times, he had learnt the secret of living in God’s presence.  In reminding us of God’s protection, the psalmist says that in the time of trouble, God will hide him in His pavilion, hiding him even in His tabernacle and setting him upon a rock (Psalm 27: 5-8).  God is not limited in where He can keep one who looks upon Him for help, one who stays close to Him.  The power of God hiding us is well demonstrated by the statement that when He hides us, a thousand will fall by our side but no harm will come to our dwelling (Psalm 91:7-8).  This is the promise of God to us, His commitment to keeping us safe and secure.  When we search His face fully, He will ensure that thought danger passes by you, it does you no harm. Psalm 91 is a powerful chapter of God’s protection and the safety we are assured of when we remain in His presence.  May this be our testimony and encouragement as we navigate our daily lives.

Thoughts:

Where have you found your shelter?

What has been your experience of God’s covering?

How can you continually dwell in God’s presence?