Psalm 91:1
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”
This world is a howling wilderness. Where can we flee for protection? Our safety physically, financially and materially is uncertain right now, but brothers and sisters we can be certain that we have refuge under the protective wing of God.
Are you anxious? Beloved, dwell in the shelter of the the Most High (Elyon). Are you weak and fearful? Beloved, abide in the shadow of the Almighty (Shaddai). The protection we have is dependent upon the character of God.
First, we have shelter because God is high and lifted up, the Most High (El Elyon). His magnificence and glory provides protection in the face of our greatest threats. Height carries the sense that God can see our enemies at a distance to provide warning and protection. In El Elyon, the Most High God, we have the high ground. “High and lifted up” also expresses the glory of God as His throne rules over all creation (Isaiah 6:1). Psalm 27:5 uses “shelter” in a similar sense: “For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.” Similarly, Psalm 61:4, “Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah”
Second, we have shadow or a protective shade because God is Almighty (El Shaddai). And His power and strength provide protection and rest in the face of powerful threat and turmoil. Psalm 36:7 uses shade in a similar sense, “How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”
Many of us are sheltering at home right now, but don’t be deceived, the only shelter and shade of protection and rest that we have in the face of threat is in God through the protective wing of Jesus Christ alone. Jesus lamented, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37; Luke 13:34) Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Are we willing to come? God’s protective love for us in Jesus Christ will not fail, and while we await Christ’s final revealing of our home with Him in His kingdom forever we find comfort even if we face loss and death. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 15:33). Though we face difficulty, sickness and death God will bring us safely home to His kingdom through the power of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
With mercy and with judgment my web of time He wove;
And always dews of sorrow were lustred with his love;
I’ll bless the hand that guided, I’ll bless the heart that planned,
When throned where glory dwelleth in Immanuel’s land.
Oh! I am my Beloved’s and my Beloved’s mine!
He brings a poor, vile sinner into his “house of wine;”
I stand upon His merit, I know no other stand,
Not e’en where glory dwelleth in Immanuel’s land.
The bride eyes not her garment but her dear Bridegroom’s face;
I will not gaze at glory but on my King of Grace:
Not at the crown he giveth, but on his pierced hand;
The Lamb is all the glory of Immanuel’s land. (1)
Notes:
1. The hymn, The Sands of Time are Sinking by Anne Ross Cousin (1857) based on the letters of Samuel Rutherford.