September 1, 2021
Scripture: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2 ESV
Observation: While the authorship of this psalm is unconfirmed by the lack of a prescript, it presents similarities to the writing style of David. In these opening verses, the psalmist declares that those who earnestly seek God will not be disappointed. Instead, they will find security and rest in him. Does this mean that trouble or hardship will never come their way? Of course not; we live in a fallen world marred by sin. But if we draw near to the Lord, when we encounter trials and suffering, our weary minds and frazzled emotions will find refuge in him, who is our fortress against the enemy.
Takeaway: It is also worth noting that the psalmist intentionally uses three names of God in these introductory verses. Most High (Elyon), the Almighty (Sâdday), and the Lord (Yahweh). Above all other gods of human imagination, our God is all-powerful and is the Great I AM! So as the psalmist exhorts, abide (dwell) in our Lord’s shadow of protection as a hen gathers her chick under her wings.
Prayer: Father God, please draw us into your presence and teach us to abide in your shadow, that we might find refuge in your fortress of protection from ourselves, the world, and the devil. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling