Daily Archives: November 16, 2006
The Shelter of the Most High
Isabel has memorized her very first verse!
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1” (NIV)
Ellie can quote the verse and the reference, but I’m not convinced she understands the meaning. I explained to her: when we trust in God, He protects us from our enemies. She struggles with nightmares; I wanted her to know God always protects us when we rest in Him. In trying to teach her the verse, I, too, had to repeat it over and over. We would say it during breakfast, lunch and dinner. God used this repetition to show me another layer of His protection.
While we were memorizing this verse, I was enduring a personal struggle. Someone I trusted implicitly and depended on for support criticized my performance in purpose and obedience to God. This person expressed great concern at my apparent failure. I was devastated. As I worked on this verse with our little one, I was silently praying for resolution, for wisdom, for peace. I knew I didn’t agree with the assessment made nor the solutions prescribed. I felt justified, but the attack still caused internal bleeding.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1”
There is more to it than just protection from your enemies. It is protection from your fears; protection from your friends; protection from your doubts.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1”
As long as you and I stand firm in our obedience to God, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. If we live in the shelter of the Most High, seeking Him always and striving to follow Him, then nothing else can touch us. We don’t need to worry what others may say or think. We are not subject to their judgments. We are resting in the shadow of the Almighty and He will defend us. He will protect us. In my mother’s words: “We are never safer than in the center of God’s hand.” It is in His shelter and His shadow that we find our confidence. It is there that we find our peace.
I am so glad Ellie has this gem of Truth pocketed. I am sure there will be many occassions to pull it out.
