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Tag: Psalm 91:1

Shelter of the Most High

Written by LWOM Amsterdam on . Posted in Psalms, What’s new?.

What is the shelter of the Most High (Psalm 91:1)?

In Psalm 91:1, the psalmist declares that, even in the face of overwhelming danger, the person who places his trust in God will live in safety because God Himself will be his protection: “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).

In this passage, the psalmist uses three names for God that attest to His divine character: “Most High” (El Elyon in Hebrew) stresses God’s utmost sovereignty and strength; “Almighty” (El Shaddai) depicts His self-existent, all-sufficient ability to do what He says He will do; and “God” (Elohim) emphasizes His supremacy and invincibility.

The believer who lives, dwells, and constantly abides under the shelter of the Most High God can rest safely in His strong and sure protection: “For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection” (Psalm 91:3–4, NLT). The Lord promises to protect, deliver, save, and defend those who love and trust Him (Psalm 91:14–16).

God is a “Mighty Warrior who saves” all those who depend on Him (Zephaniah 3:17). As the “Most High,” He unequivocally levels every possible threat. Whatever He promises, He will do (Joshua 21:45; Psalm 145:13; Hebrews 10:23). Because He reigns supreme over all creation, no one can thwart or undermine His plans and purposes for His beloved people (Numbers 23:19; Isaiah 55:11; Romans 4:21).

In the original Hebrew, the noun translated as “shelter” in Psalm 91:1 means “a suitable place for hiding; covering; protection.” The same term appears in Psalm 27:5: “For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock” (see also Psalm 31:20; 119:114). God alone is the true refuge of believers (Deuteronomy 33:27). His sheltering presence is our “hiding place” (Psalm 32:7), “refuge” (Psalm 16:1; 61:3; 142:5), “fortified tower” (Proverbs 18:10), and “fortress” (Psalm 48:3; 62:6–7). Isaiah pictures Him as “a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat” (Isaiah 25:4). No matter what life throws at us, God has us covered.

The shelter of the Most High vividly depicts the divine protection afforded those who live in intimate, daily fellowship with God, trusting in Him and depending on Him with their lives. Such a close relationship with God inspired the psalmist to say, “How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings” (Psalm 36:7, ESV). We may face danger or persecution, but we know we are safe under the protective covering of our supremely powerful God.

The apostle Paul expressed a similar sentiment: “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8–9, NLT). Believers are never alone, shaken, or defeated if they dwell in the safe retreat of God’s sheltering presence (see Romans 8:31–39).

The shelter of the Most High does not guarantee immunity from trouble, danger, or threat, but it does offer the promise of God’s presence and protection amid hardship and peril. If we return home again and again to abide in His presence (see John 15:4–9), we will experience healing and renewal of strength (Psalm 23:3; 51:10–12; 73:26; 112:7–8; Habakkuk 3:17–19). We will also discover a spiritual stronghold to launch a counter-attack on our enemies (Psalm 9:9; Joel 3:16; Ephesians 6:10–20).

The shelter of the Most High is God’s promise of protection to all who trust in Him. Those who live in continual communion with the Lord are constantly safe. Under His sheltering wings, they find rest and protection now and forever (Matthew 11:29; Psalm 37:28).


Shadow of the Almighty

Written by LWOM Amsterdam on . Posted in Psalms, What’s new?.

What does it mean to dwell in the “shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1)?

In one of the most uplifting passages of Scripture, we have this reassurance: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1, ESV). To dwell in the shadow of the Almighty is to live under the promise of God’s protection.

The word dwell means “to live in or be an inhabitant of.” Shelter refers to “a hiding place, covering, or protection.” Shadow suggests “shade, comfort, protection, and defense.” And abide means “lodge, live, spend the night.” The language of Psalm 91:1 speaks of someone who is wholly comfortable and accepted into the household and community life of the Most High God.

Most High is a title for God that effectively levels every threat. This name stresses God’s supreme power as the sovereign ruler of the world. Almighty or Shaddai is the name that upheld the wandering patriarchs (Exodus 6:3). As the Almighty, God is fully capable of accomplishing all of His promises.

Dwelling in the shadow of the Almighty is the everyday experience of someone who, although persecuted or threatened by danger, is thoroughly at home in the protection, comfort, and safety of Yahweh, the God of absolute power. This person declares of the Lord: “He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him” (Psalm 91:2, NLT).

Psalm 91 does not provide immunity from life’s threats. It does not promise God’s protection from danger and trouble; it offers the promise of God’s protection amid hardship and peril.

The theme of Psalm 91 focuses a spotlight on absolute trust in God and loyalty to Him. This kind of trust suggests intimate friendship with God. It is this sort of loving relationship that inspires the psalmist to say, “How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings” (Psalm 36:7, ESV). It is the attitude of one who clings to the Lord at all times, saying, “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” (Psalm 27:5, ESV).

The person who is always thinking about God and trusting in Him has the Almighty as a constant companion. The Lord stretches His “shadow” or “protective shade” over the man or woman who sets up camp in His presence.

Isaiah 25:4 describes the “shadow of the Almighty” as “a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.” Psalm 18:2 declares, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety” (NLT). “The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand,” says Psalm 121:5.

Psalm 91 continues, “If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The LORD says, ‘I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name’” (Psalm 91:9–14, NLT). Abiding in God’s presence, we find security, protection, and care. The ultimate victory is ours in Christ.

The “shadow of the Almighty” is like a shade cast by the Lord that marks off a clearly perceived boundary. Those who are covered by the Lord’s boundary line of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ will reside forever in God’s presence. Believers in Jesus are covered by the blood of Christ, which grants full access into the throne room of God’s grace (Hebrews 10:19–22; 13:12; Ephesians 2:13). The Lord’s sacrifice provides salvation and protection that stretches beyond the boundaries of this life (Hebrews 9:12). Only the redeemed of the Lord can securely say, “Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!” (Psalm 61:4, NLT).

To dwell in the “shadow of the Almighty” is to find complete and eternal rest and safety, no matter what we face in this life, in death, or in the life to come.