Under the Shadow of the Almighty

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." (Psalm 91:1-2 NKJ)

Lot pleaded with the men of Sodom to stop harassing his visitors who had "come under the shadow of (his) roof" [Genesis 19:8]. The Psalmist asked for God's continued attention and protection "under the shadow of God's wings" (Psalm 17:8). He asserts that God's people can continually trust God's protection (Psalm 36:7) and that living in God's "secret place" keeps us "under the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91:1).

What marvelous promises! Just to know there is a place of refuge where we can regain our spiritual composure. There is a place to refuel our emotional and psychological tanks. There is a place to charge our spiritual batteries. There is a place to "live" in God and not merely visit occasionally. It is a place of his abiding presence. It is not my retreat but my residence!

I think we Christians have gotten things inverted. We think and act as if we must invite the Holy Spirit into our functions, worship and presence. Yet, it is we who must enter into His presence. Now, there's a concept . . . invite ourselves into God's presence. Even better, I think I must develop my relationship with him so that I am constantly -- minute-by-minute -- living in "the secret place of the Most High."

God's shadow hides me from the world's wickedness. God's shadow protects and delivers me from the world's wickedness. Oh! What a place to live! Yes, I know that even some Christians believe it is impossible, but the Word of God proclaims it, so I'll trust him.

My goal is to enter into God's secret place so that He fills every corner, every wall of my life. I want to live there in the secret place under the shadow of the Almighty. I want God to know that he is just as welcome in my heart and life as I am in his.

Dear Father, thank you for inviting me into your secret place and your shadow. Empower me to continually reside in your presence. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Is God your refuge and fortress? Will you trust him today?