BLESSINGS OF GOD’S PRESENCE (5)

“He who DWELLS in the SECRET PLACE of the MOST HIGH shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” – Psalm 91:1

Divine defence and unassailable supernatural security are notable BLESSINGS of GOD’S PRESENCE: “He who DWELLS in the SECRET PLACE of the MOST HIGH shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psa.91:1). It is no coincidence that this is the 9-1-1 verse. Whatever challenges or troubles we may face, God is the place of refuge we can run to. God’s Protection is real! We may not always see it, or feel it. We might sometimes forget it’s there, or even wonder if He's left us to fend for ourselves in the heat of life’s hard situations. But He doesn't, and cannot, forget us or ignore us. If we belong to Him, His love is too great to leave us on our own. Hie Presence is permeating!

The word “dwell” used in this verse means, “to take up permanent residence in.” God reminds us to stay in His Presence, as our permanent place of living. Doing that, we will ‘abide’ or ‘rest’ in the very “Shadow of the Almighty.” A shadow provides covering, shade, and relief from the direct heat of the sun. It diminishes what we actually feel in the intensity or severity of the heat. The Shadow of the Almighty is also a reminder for us, that we never walk alone. Life’s pressures and stress can seem to be as stifling as a hot afternoon summer sun, such a full heat of troubles that it’s a struggle at times to keep trudging through it all. Yet, God whispers truth, strong and sure, “Walk in My shadow, up close to My side”! When we’re resting is His shadow, we will never face the full heat of life’s difficulties. He shelters us from stress and strain.

Psalm 91 describes Biblical confidence and poise; the security of one who trusts in the Lord; one who has certainty and security that, being in God, he could not be defeated; one who has taken a covenant position of abiding under His defence, allowing Him to fight all his battles. This begins with relationship: Knowing God as the Most High, the Almighty, our Refuge and Fortress. God’s commitment is based on His deep covenant love relationship with us, which the psalm affirms and celebrates in the closing verses. We can confidently claim His rest, refuge, protection, safety, covering, faithfulness, freedom from fear, angelic watchers, deliverance, and salvation based on our relationship with Him. God's protection and the comfort of His Presence, are freely available to those who love Him and walk under His covering.

Spiritual warfare is not about fighting in our strength. It is about experiencing the majesty and supremacy of God, who assures us that He is committed to defending us. Our part is to rest and trust in who He is. Great blessings abound in seeking after God, and choosing to walk in His ways. In the midst of great darkness in this world, living outside of God’s Presence is like wallowing in the pit, without much hope. But His reminders are sure and true; that in all situations, we never have to be alone. Though we would face hard times, He'll be with us in them, rescuing us, and shining His favour over us. We may never fully know, this side of heaven, how very much He has sheltered us from!

Psalm 91 is filled with God’s Goodness and Power, reminding us that He faithfully works on behalf of those who love Him and honour His name, shielding us with His Protective Presence and Circle of Blessing: “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My mane. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation” (vv.14-16). Such great assurances: Deliverance and Rescue; Elevation and Protection; Attention and Answers; Partnership in afflictions and distress; Honour; Long life with divine satisfaction; and manifest reality of redemption and salvation.