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
When you are attacked or betrayed by someone close to you, the world can feel very unsafe. The Psalmist faced such things as I do and you may.
He speaks of the “secret place of the Most High” which reminds me that God keeps me near Him–in a place only He and I know of–a place outside of time and space–a place of relationship. I am with Him. He will never leave or forsake me.
The psalmist uses the name “Most High” and I am reminded that no one is stronger or more powerful than my God. He is the greatest ally because He is all-powerful. He has no rival–no equal.
When he says, “shall abide,” I hear the promise of God that I will always live with Him–nothing can separate us.
The “shadow of the Almighty” speaks of protection. The sun can be relentless in Israel. A shadow is a place of escape from the heat, a cool pocket of relief from the elements and the danger of exposure.
God is my refuge–a place to hide from my trouble, to retreat from the world that wants too much and offers too little.
God is my fortress–I love that image. God is a huge castle behind the wall of which I am safe and protected from my enemies.
See also Philippians 4:4-9; Psalm 34:17-19
