Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.(Psalms 91:1-4 NIV)
As I travelled along the highway I was glad for my air-conditioned vehicle as the heat outside was extreme. Enjoying my cool drive, I noticed a herd of cattle in one of the many fields which offered no shelter or shade for these beasts. I was thus surprised by what I saw. In the corner of this particular pasture was an old trailer from a transport truck, that was now being used for advertising. The herd of cows was huddled in the shadow of the trailer, while all their calves were laying under the protection of the trailer where the cooling shade was the greatest.
Likewise, our Heavenly Father knows just how to protect us in the heat of life’s moments. In Psalm 91 we read: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
What a beautiful picture this is of the way God protects and cares for us amidst the difficult moments of life. The heat will come into our lives in various ways, but for those who trust in the Lord, that heat is made bearable by his constant faithfulness and protection, which never allows more into our lives than we can bear. Knowing that He is in ultimate control of what is happening, allows us a sense of peace amidst the storm; to be able to rest within the unrest which surrounds us. Knowing that He alone is greater than any and all evil, pain or suffering, assures us that His Spirit within us is enough to strengthen us to be overcomers at all times. Knowing that He is always with us and will never leave nor forsake us grants and inspires courage to endure not by ourselves but together in Him.
As our world grows more complex and tumultuous, with every passing year, may we be increasing thankful that as children of God we are assured that he who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty, for he is our refuge and our fortress, in whom we trust. He is the one in whom we shall always and ever be able to find refuge, for his faithfulness is our shield and rampart no matter what future heat may come our way.
Prayer: Father God, thank you that you cover us with your feathers, under your wings of protection we find refuge, strength and courage amidst whatever situations may come upon us. Bless us with faith to trust in you and your loving care and steadfastness, now and forever more. In Christ’s name. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada