SHELTERED

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty – Psalm 91:1

The Ordered Life is a SHELTERED Life – sheltered under the shadow of the Almighty God! When it is storming out and we have to travel, it is always so comforting to return into the shelter and warmth of our own home. When we have been away and have seen only strangers for several weeks, it is exhilarating to return to the people and the environment we know. That’s the essence of home or shelter; and that’s the nature of the promises given in Psalm 91. We can live in the shelter of the Most High. Even if we are away from home, among strangers, out in a storm, the presence of God never leaves us. The faithfulness of the Most High God is our shield; therefore, we can wholly rest in Him. The sheltered life describes a heart steadfastly fixed on God: “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise” (Psa.57:7). “O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory” (Psa.108:1).

Psalm 90:1 describes the intergenerational dimension of our dwelling place: “Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.” That is, the sheltered life can be our perpetual portion! The promises and blessings attached to living the sheltered life are diverse and numerous: protection from trouble, from the snare of the fowler and ever-present dangers; deliverance from destruction and death; and angelic guidance; all under the covering of the outstretched wings of God’s love and power (Psalm 91). These promises are for those who are prepared to put their trust in God; who resign themselves to God and walk in close fellowship with Him; who are so close to God they truly know Him as their Refuge or hiding place, their Fortress or Tower of defence. These promises are addressed to those who have set their heart on God. It is not perfect love for God, but the setting of the heart on God that is rewarded with this kind of protection: “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him” (Psa.91:14a).

To dwell in God’s secret place and abide under His shadow implies that God will protect those who choose to live with Him and act upon that decision. Those who constantly live close to God are the recipients of His peace, serenity, and security. But, no one can tell you tangibly where the shadow of the Almighty is; you must find out for yourself – you must discover the divine! When you have located the hollow of His Hand, stay there; under that shadow no evil can ever befall you. The intensity of the moments you spend under His shadow is the measure of your usefulness as a Christian steward and minister. Your intimacy defines your utility. Your fellowship influences your functionality. Your partnership with the Lord determines your productivity. Intensity of communion is however not in feelings or emotions or in special places, but in quiet, fixed, confident centering of your heart and mind on God. David said, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” (Psa.42:1-2).

When last did you engage in a spiritual stock-taking? It’s time to ponder: Where am I living? Where or who is my dwelling place? Where is my soul abiding? Never allow anything to hinder you from abiding in God’s divine Presence, in the place where your spiritual life is nurtured, nourished and sustained. This is not necessarily a physical or geographical place, but a place in the Spirit, a posture of the soul, an attitude of mind that is settled on and in God. Moreover, the expression of your lips must correspond with your communion with God. Endeavour to live up to the good and true things you believe and confess. Resist and refuse to partake in whatever will want to drive you out of the secret place of the Most High.