Let's turn to one of the great Psalms this week. Psalm 91 is a favourite for many people. It is a deliverance Psalm - it talks powerfully about God's protection and help in times of danger and distress. I pray that, as we go through it this week, we will be moved by our God's care and compassion.
Dwelling With God, Not Just Visiting Him
Verse 1 simply says "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." (Psalm 91:1 NIV11)
Pay attention, for a moment, to that word dwell. This is not a passing interest in God. It is a lifestyle of dwelling with Him - staying close to Him. Ask yourself today: am I dwelling in the shelter of the Most High? Or do I pop into His presence when I need something, and then head back into my life without Him again?
Sheltered by God
The two sh words are also precious here. The first is shelter. I remember a little while back I was riding my bicycle to work and back home, and one afternoon a typical South African highveld storm blew up out of nowhere and I got caught in the rain.
I managed to find my way to a carwash close to the church, and I pulled into their booth where the cars get washed, and taking shelter with me were a bunch of others - mostly people on scooters and motorbikes. I thought - this is a picture of the Christian life! We’re taking shelter from the storms together, under the cover of the Most High God.
Standing Close Enough to Enjoy His Shadow
The other sh word is shadow. It has a similar meaning to shelter in this context. But you have to be close to someone to stand in their shadow. That shadow stretches out from them. Do you need to draw near to God today, and come close enough to enjoy the covering of His shadow?
Don't miss that the Psalmist says we will find rest in this place. Storms are exhausting. But there is rest for the soul, when we dwell and take shelter in the Most High God's shadow.
Friends, don't go looking for a shelter, in any place except in the shadow of the Most High God. Only there will you find a place of true rest for your soul.
Paul says godliness with contentment is great gain, and he warns that the love of money has led many away from the faith. Ask yourself today which excites you more, becoming more godly or having more money, and bring your honest answer to God.