“… will rest in the shadow …”
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge
and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
(Psalm 91:1-2; NIV. Please read Psalms 91-95.)
Working on a Southern farm in the heat of a breeze-less summer afternoon, I have known appreciation for a cool refreshing shade in the shadow of stray cloud.
Walking on a Russian street in the bitter cold of a windy blizzard-like winter night, I have known appreciation for a warm cozy room out of the wind.
But what must the words “shelter” and “shadow” mean to those who have suffered so much more. What of those who lived through Katrina? Or the Tsunami? What of those lost in blizzards or avalanches? And what of our soldiers who fight in the oppressive heat of Iraq?
Would not ”shelter” and “shadow” mean for them rescue and survival? Not just the relief and comfort that I have appreciated from time to time … but life-long gratitude for the chance to live rather than die.
However, because of sin and the torment that comes from that shame and fear, we all need such a place to find shelter and shade to rest. I hope that your family and/or your church friends offer you some comfort and rest … but there is a refuge that will not fail even in the raging storms - a shadow that will not fade with the passing of time. That shelter and shadow can be found in the presence of the Most High. He is the Almighty, and in Him you can trust.
ON SECOND THOUGHT: Another stanza I would lay up in my heart is Psalms 95:1-2, “Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” When is the last time - not “at church” or in a crowd - you just wanted to “shout aloud” to the Rock? He deserves it - you know? Sing this with me … pray this for me.
May 2, 2008 at 10:38 am
I have known a few times when I really wanted God to hide me. I wanted to be hidden away forever and ever. I didn’t want to have to make any decisions, or see any people. I didn’t want to feel guilty anymore … or wonder who else I had hurt. At that time … I prayed for relief. I didn’t see God offering me His wing to hide under … or the huge Rock in front of me offering rescue from my worries. He was right there all the time … providing me what I needed … and I missed it.
Psalm 95:9 “… where your fathers tested and tried me, though they had seen what I did.” How much good have I seen God do … how many rescues have I witnessed … have I been a part of? How many times have I seen God forgive His people in the midst of their stupidity? Yet I still test Him … I still wonder if He will do it again … shame on me.
I am not much of a shouter … I don’t usually shout in excitement or thanksgiving. But I do know that there have been days that I will sit still and think about all that is around me … all that God has done for me over the past two years to bring me to a safe place where I can breathe for the first time. I am overwhelmed with thanksgiving … it is so overwhelming that I can barely even say “thank you” … my silence before Him seems to say it better than my poor attempt with words.
May 2, 2008 at 6:45 pm
I loved the shade of the clouds we chased (I always won), and I love the thought of Jesus hiding us in His shadow. And I love my Super Birthday Boy, and I thank God that He loved me enough to send you to me. Mother
I love you, too, sweet Mother; but you never won. I thank God that He loved me enough to send me to you. Most. Rex
May 2, 2008 at 9:00 pm
I crave that safety…that shadow…that refuge. God is my forever safe place. AND He led me to my safe place here in this life…the place of prodigals just trying to live for Him.
I love the Psalm of your second thought….a song from chorus echoes in my head…GOOD STUFF!!!
I also hang onto the words in 94:17-19 “Unless the LORD had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Amen.