Living In God’s Shadow

Psalm 91 is a beautiful psalm and so full of encouragement. The key to receiving all the blessings it contains is found in verse 9, where we are told to make the Lord our shelter, and the Most High our refuge. All this is linked to verse 1, which says we are to abide in the shadow of the Most High. It is in that shadow that we will find true rest, as well as protection.

But God’s shadow isn’t static. It is moving as He moves. We can’t sit under it without moving when, and where, He moves. We are meant to live under it, to dwell there, and to do so, we must be following Him closely, focusing on what He is saying and doing. Too often I have wandered off, following the path that I believed was right and expecting God to tag on behind. I am then surprised that things have gone wrong.

My internal cry of “God, where are You?” can be answered by God saying, “Where are you?” God isn’t following me. I am meant to be following Him. At times, that may mean going through dark valleys, as some of you may be doing right now, as you read this. At such times, we can’t discern His shadow because of the darkness around us. But if we choose to remain close to Him – in step with Him, in close fellowship with Him, then we can be certain we are under His shadow, even then. His Holy Spirit will be that inner witness and guide to us.

Towards the end of Psalm 91, God promises to rescue those who love Him, and to protect those who trust in His name. He promises that, when we call on Him, He will answer, and be with us in our trouble. All this requires us to be so close to Him that His shadow is with us, as His Spirit is in us. If you are feeling far from God at this moment, now is the time for change. Draw near to Him. He won’t rebuke you, reject you, or ignore you. Perhaps the following prayer might help you to do this.