Life seems so out of control right now. I’m surrounded by people who are hurting including myself. Friends and family are ill. Some are grieving terrible losses. Never have I wanted the covering of the Lord more. His presence is needed at every turn. I want others to see Him, to draw their strength from Him, but really I’m sometimes drowning in it all myself. How can I help lead anyone to Him if I can’t even keep my head above water?

Very early this morning I was listening to some instrumental worship music when a verse came up of Psalms 91:1. ” He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” I just sat there contemplating the meaning of this. At first it’s just a nice thought but when you look deeper it has more meaning than you first realize.

First the word “dwell”. What does dwell mean? It means to live or lodge somewhere. It also means to think, speak, or write at length about something. How do you dwell in the shelter of the Most High? I think it’s about staying there. Putting my feet up and lingering in His presence. Reading His Word and praying is definitely part of it, but so is just an acknowledgement of Him in my life. Having a listening heart that listens for His voice. A bowing down to His Lordship over me.

The other part of the verse is about rest in the shadow of the Almighty. What an awesome visual. I think about this huge rock over me to shelter me from the storm. Though the world is raging around me I am safe in the cleft of this rock. It stands firm no matter what goes on around me. He has me covered. If a bad diagnosis comes, I am still in His presence. I can rest knowing He is in control. If financial problems come up, I am still safe in Him. He is my Provider.

Lack of worry is rest if you think about it. If I have faith that Jesus is over all of the situations that come up in life, I will not be moved when a bad diagnosis or a loss occurs. He will still hold me. He will still be Lord. He will still keep His word. He can still heal and restore me or my loved ones. He still saves me.

The really cool thing about all this is it’s for me but also for everyone. When the verse starts out as “He” it means whoever. It’s for all people. We can all be in the Shadow of our Almighty God. It is big enough for us all to rest knowing He’s got this.