“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 NIV
Like many people, my daughter Melody commented on the empty shelves in the grocery section of Target. When I asked her what did she think was happening, she said “It’s like Y2K!” I chuckled because she was 2 at the time and I knew that we still have some of those dried beans.
She was correct about the whole country underneath the spell of fear of the unknown. Like Y2K there was incredible fear that dominated every conversation. Where can one find comfort? One of the most famous passages regarding protection by God is Psalm 91. Also known as the “Warrior’s Prayer”, many spouses and parents have pleaded this prayer promise with God again and again.
The Psalmist starts with an invitation with his arms wide open. “Whoever”. That word captures God’s heart for the world and the beginning message of the gospel of Jesus. Jesus said that God so loved the world, meaning His love is available to all. Paul captures the same idea when he wrote, “whosoever calls on the name of the Lord.” This is a broad invitation that incorporates each and every one. This means the invitation is for you and your family and friends. It is for all who would come.
Then the qualifier begins after the broad invitation. “Whoever dwells…”
In our fast food, Amazon ordering, express lane living, and instant keurig coffee, who has time for dwelling? The word dwell is “yashab” and means to abide, sit down, live with, settle, and even translated in some context to marry. Jesus understood the importance of this principle by encouraging us to abide in Him.
All that flows forth in the rest of the Psalm begins with the prerequisite “to dwell” with God. This is more than prolonging your quiet time. Many do not have schedules that allow someone to sit at Jesus feet as Mary chose and Martha was unable to do because of the responsibilities at hand. Even in our busyness, we have the capacity to nurture dwelling with God.
The secret is the indwelling, continuing, uninterrupted presence of the Holy Spirit that is given to the children of God when they become followers of Jesus. We can and are in continual contact with God through the working of the Holy Spirit.
Your “dwelling” is also the identifying factor of where you live. How would you describe aspects of your “dwelling with God”? Do you recognize His voice? Are you sensitive to change of directions? Can you hear His songs of love over you? His presence accompanies those who dwell with Him.
Make a decision to engage in “dwelling with God”. You will enjoy all of the benefits of the rest of the chapter.
Blessings Love y’all