images (8)“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭91:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In our fast food, Amazon ordering, express lane living, and instant Keurig coffee making, who has time for dwelling? Yet dwelling with God is the key to the rest of the chapter for protection that God offers.

The Hebrew word for dwelling is yashab. It is defined as to sit, remain, abide and also has the image of marrying. This is not a drive-thru mentality relationship with God. Rather, it anticipates the intentionality of “carving out” intimate times together again and again and again.

Jesus understood this principle by his dialogue on the importance of abiding mentioned in John 15. Life will happen as long as you remain connected to the vine. The promise of the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit provides the characteristic for the ongoing moment by moment abiding.

Dwelling is our half of the promise in Psalm 91. Rest is God’s response to our taking time to dwell.  Rest that is represented by lack of worry. Rest that brings a settledness in our spirit. Rest that acknowledges someone else is fully in control of the situation.  Rest remains enveloped by His shadow.

May you be blessed today to receive the rest that He promised for those who dwell. Rest that comes in the form of peace of mind, an assurance of God being in charge, settledness in knowing what to do next by following His lead, and the warmth of being chosen in His love. Take your thoughts captive and let them dwell in His shelter. 

Blessings. Love y’all.