THE SHELTER OF THE MOST HIGH
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1 (NLT)
There is no safer place in all the universe than under the wings of the sovereign, all-wise, all-loving God.
John Piper
I met a man in Winnipeg who the Iranian government had sent to spy on a certain convert to Christianity. As the spy hid behind the hedges, trying to catch a glimpse of the infidel, he was startled by a voice speaking over his left shoulder. Maybe you’d like to come in for a cup of tea? It was the man he was sent to spy on! Flustered, the spy said, I was sent here to spy on you, as surprised as anyone else when he heard the words come out of his mouth. I know. But would you like to come in for some tea? With that, the two men went inside and started talking about Jesus.
The spy went into the house to discover incriminating evidence. By the time he left, he was a brand-new follower of Christ. What could have been a tragic end to the convert’s story became yet another demonstration of God’s protection over this man of prayer. Private prayer is the platform of God’s powerful and all-encompassing protection. Maybe you have a story about God’s amazing protection over your life?
The word abide, suggests a continuing and lasting presence. This isn’t about those who call on God when everything falls apart. No, we’re talking about the people who know where their protection comes from and stick close to the One who can truly offer security. Psalm 27:5 (NIV) says, For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. Psalm 31:20 (ESV) says, In the cover of Your presence You hide them from the plots of men; You store them in Your shelter from the strife of tongues. Even when our situations seem dire, we can have confidence that God will watch over us and help us in our time of need.
APPLICATION: Are you worried about something? Why not turn it into a prayer? God is much more able to handle your problems than you are. The truth is, God has always been in control. The problem is misplaced trust.
PRAYER: Lord, help me remember that nothing that hasn’t passed through Your fingers first can touch me. Help me to trust that You always have my best in mind, even when I can’t see it at the time. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?