Are you feeling stressed and unsettled today?
The Book of Psalms often provides the words that bring peace and calm to our restless and troubled hearts. Psalm 91 is a chapter that assures us of peace and rest in the presence of God and the shadow of the Almighty.
As I read Psalm 91, I sense the words of a writer who is fearful for his life as he describes the arrows of the enemy, terrors by night, and pestilence (disease). But the writer does not give in to this fear. Instead, he puts his trust in God. Verses 3 and 4 describe how God will cover you and protect you. He will hide you from your enemies.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1
The writer here says the shadow of the Almighty is a safe place. We can draw close to him; he will be our shield and deliverer.
In the times and days when fear grips our hearts, how do we find peace and rest?
We start by dwelling in the presence of God. As I read this chapter, I thought about God leading the Israelites through the wilderness. In verses 5 and 6, God leads in the dark and protects from illness and disease.
God led the children of Israel with his presence. In Exodus 13:21, He was with them as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to light their path. As they are leaving Egypt, they immediately come to the Red Sea. It must have been frightening to see no way to go forward and Pharoh’s army coming quickly from behind.
But Moses did not fear; he told the people:
“Don’t be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today; for you will never again see the Egyptians whom you have seen today. 14 The LORD will fight for you, and you shall be still.”
Exodus 14:13-14
Did you know the words of Moses are still true for you today? When you feel surrounded by enemies on all sides, and there seems to be no escape, you are not alone. God is with you, and he will be your fortress and shield.
What is the promise if we dwell in the presence of the Most High?
He will be our refuge, our safe place – a place to run when we feel we have no other place to go. No evil will befall you (vs. 10) when he is your shield. He will even give his angels charge to watch over you (vs. 11) and be with you.
When your spirit and heart are troubled, seek the presence of God and dwell in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:14 says that when we put our faith in him, he will protect us.
Do you know the song “The Great I Am”? The song describes God as the Almighty, the Great I Am. No one is like him, and no one is worthy. No power power can stand against the Great I Am.
Walking each day in faith isn’t easy. It requires that we take our eyes off of ourselves and our situation and look to God for safety. Why is God the Great I Am? His name is more than all the earth. By His word, the world came into existence. Through his power, he causes all things to be.
No person, no power, no problem is too much for the Almighty, the Great I Am. When you trust this promise, you can rest in the shadow of the Almighty, too.