“DWELLING IN THE SHADOW”
(1 Kings 13:1-14:31; 2 Chronicles 12:1-16; Psalm 91:1-16)
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” – Psalm 91:1-2
There’s not a person on earth that hasn’t felt uncertain, fearful, out of control. But where do we go to find a place of security and safety that offers protection and peace? We find a powerful promise in Psalm 91 that speaks straight to our anxious hearts.
Psalm 91 is not for the casual believer, but for the one who dwells in the shelter of the Most High. For the one who has made the living God his abiding place – one who has decided that God is not a means to some other treasure, but God is the treasure.
To “dwell” in the secret place is not to merely visit in times of trouble, but to make it one’s continual abode. It’s about staying. Abiding in His presence, not only in ceremony, but in communion; not in name, but in nearness. This person will rest securely beneath His shadow.
What does that mean? It means nearness. Shadows don’t fall on those far away. You’re close, surrounded by His faithfulness. But don’t misunderstand, this is no shallow promise for faither-weather faith. This is a covenant treasure for those who make God their everything. God doesn’t shield us from every storm, but He becomes our shelter through them. The plague may come, the arrow may fly, the lion may roar – but the man who clings to God is never forsaken.
This psalm doesn’t guarantee that life will be easy, but it does promise that the one who makes God their refuge will never be alone. Whatever you’re facing today, whatever anxieties keep you up at night – you have a shelter, a fortress who will hold you up and stay near.
Application:
- Make God your permanent dwelling place.
Don’t just visit in moments of crisis, live in His presence continually. Rest in the shadow of His sovereignty.
- Do not fear the terror of the world.
Psalm 91 speaks of pestilence, arrows, destruction, and plague. Yet the believer is told not to fear. God’s presence in the midst of trouble is enough.
- Cling to the promises in Christ.
All the promises of Psalm 91 are fulfilled in Jesus – our refuge, covering, deliverer. Rest in Him.
Closing Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for the shelter of Your wings. Teach me to shelter and abide. Drive fear from my heart and fill me with confidence in You. Let my life be marked by trust in Your word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About our Author
John A Pra was born and raised in Queens, NY and has lived almost all of his life in the metropolitan area. After graduating from Bible college (now University of Valley Forge) he entered into full-time pastoral ministry. John and his wife, Diana, have been living in Carlstadt since 1990, pastoring Cornerstone Church and now at Transformation Life Church since 2022.
John and Diana have been married for 39 years and have three children and one granddaughter (who owns them). Besides loving time spent with family, he enjoys sports, reading, travel, and the golf course.
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