Devotion: Psalms 91:1

Psalms 91:1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most high will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Though this is a short verse, there is quite a bit to unpack and insights we can glean from its words. It surprised me at exactly how much there is to draw from one verse, but I will never look at it in the same way again now.

We begin with the reference, though this is more understandable for US residents. The emergency response system in the United States is 911. You dial 9-1-1 when you need help. And we can turn to Psalms 9-1-1 for help from Him. Not a spiritual truth or theological, but a nice coincidence regardless. Definitely helps make it memorable. (Just remember it’s referring to Psalms 91:1 not Psalms 9:11.)

The verse begins with whoever dwells. Our first stopping point. A dwelling is a place of residence, a place of permanency. It is the place we typically are most comfortable, where our belongings are, our cherished items that mean something to us. And it is generally where we feel the safest.

Next we stop at shelter. A shelter offers you protection. It protects you from the elements. It covers you and keeps you safe from enemies. During the pandemic we were told to shelter at home. We hid ourselves away in our dwelling places, safe from exposure to the virus waging its silent battle on our world. A shelter can be temporary or permanent, but it always provides you with protection.

But this shelter is not ours. It is the shelter of the Most High. It is God’s. Talk about safe and secure! And we can dwell there! How amazing is that? Because it is safe and secure, we can find rest there. We can let our guards down and sleep in peace. We can recover when we are overextended and overwhelmed.

The reason we can rest in safety is because we do so in the shadow of the Almighty. Knowing He is there gives us peace of mind. We can’t look upon God because He is so glorious and amazing we would not survive, but we can see His shadow and take comfort from knowing He is with us.

Where are you dwelling? Let go of the anxiety and find rest in His shelter and presence. He has prepared a place just for you. Will you take it?

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