Secure Shelter in the Storms of Life
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will
abide in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).
The Psalmist invites us to abide in the Father’s shadow
where we see only the face of the Almighty. The veil of the temple was torn in
two making it possible for every believer to go into the presence of the LORD
God anytime he desires. In deed, as the Psalmist said we can abide in His
presence all the time.
The “shelter of the Almighty” implies His holy presence. In
the “shadow of the Almighty” we find strength to live a holy life.
Has the Most High become your dwelling presence? The
believer finds refuge and a secure place in the strong fortress of Yahweh. The
LORD is “My refuge and my fortress, My God in whom I trust” (v. 2). Whoever
trusts in the Most High finds security and protection in God’s holy presence.
Two interesting titles of God are found in verses one and
two. The infinite power and sovereign rule of God are expressed in “the Most
High” and “the Almighty.” We worship “the Most High” God. Elyōn suggests
the exaltedness and overwhelming majesty of God, signifying the supremacy of the
deity. This divine name reflects the ideas of omnipotence (Ps 18:13; Lam. 3:38),
universality (Ps 83:18), and constancy (Ps 21:7). He is the place of protection
and shelter for Israel (Ps 9:2; 91:1, 9), and for her king (Ps 21:7). Elyōn
seems to have a special concern for Zion (Ps 46:4; 87:5) even though He is Lord
of all heaven and earth. Psalm 73:11 tells us it is impossible to hide from the
all-knowing God.
The LORD appeared to Abraham when he was ninety-nine years
old and revealed Himself by the great name El Shaddai saying, “I am the
Almighty God. Obey Me and always do what is right” (Genesis 17:1). The Almighty
is all-powerful. As El Shaddai God manifested himself to the patriarchs
(Ex 6:3) Abraham (Gen 17:1; to Isaac, Gen 28:3), and to Jacob (Gen 35:11, 43:14;
48:3). The context for most of these references is the covenant, and the
responsibility for obedience and faithfulness on the part of the patriarch and
the promise of progeny by God. It is not to the hills that these men of faith
looked for confidence, but to the Lord of these hills, the Lord of the mountain
(Ps 121:1–2).
In addition, the images “shelter” and “the shadow” suggest
a secure hiding place from the storms of life. We have a secure refuge in His
hiding place. We have safety in the presence of the LORD.
How often we ago looking for security and safety in that
which offers only a false security. The LORD God removes our false securities
one by one until we trust in Him alone.
Is He your hiding place? Have you learned how to find
refuge in trusting in the abiding presence of the most powerful God?
The all-powerful God is our eternal refuge. The Almighty
God is our protection.
The “secure place” is in the presence of the Most Holy One
in the Most Holy Place, and it is where He covers us with His “wings.” There He
guards us and gives us victory over the enemy, answers our prayers, and
strengthens us and satisfies our hearts.
The Psalmist in 27:5 said, “In times of trouble He will
shelter me; He will keep me safe in His Temple and make me secure on a high
rock.” In 32:7, David testified, “You are my hiding place; You will save me from
trouble; You do surround me with songs of deliverance.” As we claim the promises
in God’s Word we can also declare, “You are my defender and protector; I put my
hope in your promise” (19:14). He is our refuge and shelter in a secure hiding
place.
Have you learned to hide as a baby chicken does under the
mother hen’s wing? The LORD “will cover you with His wings, you will be safe in
His care; His faithfulness will protect and defend you” (91:4).
Have you learned to trust in God’s great providence for the
believer? It will be amazing in heaven when the Lord pulls us aside and says,
“You remember when . . . . I was there. I protected and watched over you during
those events.” He is our refuge in time of trouble. He is our refuge, fortress
and security.
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall
abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (KJV).
Have you learned how to abide in the secret place of the
Almighty? He teaches us in secret how to abide. The highest privilege we have as
Christians is to commune with God. Walking with God is the source of our
strength. The intimate walk with Christ involves pulling down every proud
obstacle that raises up against the knowledge of God. In our thought life, “we
take every thought captive and make it obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).
The difference between success and failure in the Christian
life and service is going into God’s secret place and then coming out from His
presence to serve. Jesus set the example for the servants when He spent the
whole night in prayer before He called His disciples (Luke 6:12-13).
The shadow of the Almighty is over the saint who dwells in
the secret place of the Most High. Encourage your faith in the omnipotence of
God. Since God is for you who can possibly be against you? God has the answer
for our needs. Insignificant means are sufficient for Him. “The LORD will
provide” has been the testimony of faithful believers down through history.
Selah!
Message by Wil Pounds (c) 2006
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