Psalm 91:1 says, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” In simple terms, this verse suggests that someone who seeks protection and stays close to God (referred to as the Most High) will find safety and comfort under His care, much like how a shadow provides relief and coolness from the sun. It’s about trusting and finding peace in God’s protection. We have to have trust and faith of our own volition. It takes action on our part.
Have you ever gotten a call where someone you love is in the hospital and would not make it? We did, and right away we prayed, fasted and went to God for comfort and protection from the fear that the enemy was trying to put on us. We focused on dwelling on God, drank in HIs Word, and trusted in Him. He heard our prayers and healing came to that individual.
Where Are You Dwelling?
“Dwelleth” is an old-fashioned way of saying “dwells,” which means to live or reside. In the context of Psalm 91:1, “dwelleth” refers to continuously living or remaining in the presence or protection of God.
When little piglets sense danger, they run to their mother for protection and the mother will instinctively protect them and stand between them and the danger. Piglets (and other animal babies) don’t go too far away from their mother as they know she will protect them and stand in between them and any danger.
When we stay and dwell in God’s presence every day, every minute we can be sure He is going to take care of us no matter what. In Psalm 91:4 He says ‘He will cover you with His feathers: under His wings you will find refuge.’ We are safe!!
If we memorize and stay in His Word, that builds our faith and trust in Him. We can stand firm as we dwell and know that in any circumstance or trouble that comes, He will be there to help us and lead and guide us through anything.
When Jesus returns and tells us how many times He has rescued us from danger or a situation we weren’t even aware of, we will be astounded at His protection. That is why we dwell in His presence, under His protection. We even have angels that take care of us. How lucky are we!!
You Must Choose It
“God is our shelter” means experiencing God as a source of protection and refuge from elements or danger. It says that by turning to God, people can find safety and security against the challenges and threats they face in life. This highlights a spiritual sense of security, where trust in God provides peace, comfort, and strength amidst difficulties. Much like a physical structure as a house, tent, or building designed to keep on safe from weather, harm or outside threats, God is our protection in times of troubles, danger, or whatever the problem we face.
When little chicks are out and danger is about, the mother opens her wings and they all run under for safety. That is what God wants us to do. When we sense danger or something has come and we don’t know how to deal with it, turn to Him! He will help us go through anything. ‘Under His wings we will find shelter.’
The question is, are we turning to Him as our shelter? All too often we want our problem resolved right away and when we do that we rob God from what He said He would do and our problem usually ends up worse than at the beginning.
We have to abandon our self-sufficiency ideas and that we can do it by ourselves. Left to ourselves, we create chaos and make situations worse. Did you ever think about the number of this Psalm 91:1? He is our 911 and we can trust Him as our refuge from all troubles. It doesn’t say okay, I will help you this time but next time you’re on your own. We can call on Him at all times and He will be there.
Do Not Fear
Resting under the shadow of the almighty means we must trust and rely on God for protection and peace. In Psalm 46:1 it says ‘He is our ever-present help in times of trouble.’ Are we prepared when times of trouble come or a situation that is out of our control to say, okay Lord I turn to you in this situation? That is exactly what He wants us to do. Total trust in Him. He doesn’t want us to get all anxious or try to solve it without Him.
The definition of fear is: an unpleasant, often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger.
When we take it upon ourselves to find a way out, we usually make things worse. Take time to get close with the Lord. Give the fear to the Lord and ask Him to help you to rest and have peace that He is going to show you how to navigate through this or let Him do the work. Read the Word and ask Him to show you His wisdom, the secrets in the Word and He will. Spend time in prayer and worship and you will find peace and protection in Him.
Philippians 4: 6-7 says ‘Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.’
Finally, as it says in the next verse Psalm 91:2 ‘I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, (a strong building or buildings to defend from attack) my God; in Him will I trust.’
Close your eyes for a minute or two and think of almighty God with HIs wings outstretched over and around you. Think on His Word and thank Him that you can trust in Him. His Word is truth and your shield. Shout out to the devil and his minions that fear has no hold on you. You are free and rebuke him in Jesus name!