Consider dwelling in the shelter of the Most High -the Almighty God!

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2).

Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American lecturer, philosopher, and poet said, “the best lightning rod for your protection is your own spine.” In essence, he was saying your backbone is the best protection you have. I admit I am not a neurologist or an expert in the medical field but I was told memory and spine are connected. The neurons in our spine carry pain signals from our body parts to the brain. Ralph was an ordained pastor who eventually moved away from his faith after the death of his wife. He used to visit his wife’s grave daily. Later in his life, he was afraid to trust himself in society because of the failure of his memory power. He found difficulty in getting the words he wants. (Ralph Waldo Emerson Wikipedia).

Julia Hoban is an American author of children’s books. Her famous book ‘Willow’ explores the survivor guilt of a 16-year old teenage girl whose parents died in a car crash when she was driving. (Julia Hoban, Wikipedia). One night her parents consumed too much wine in a dinner and asked her to drive them home. Though she did not have the license, she drove the car. But the crash happened and she lost both of her parents. She says in her book, “I guess what scares me the most now is the thought that I won’t be able to protect you” (Julia Hoban, Willow). A cry of a little girl.

I think Julia Hoban conveyed the truth that all of us should ponder. The scary fact is this – we won’t be able to protect ourselves or others we love by our strength or power. Ultimately don’t you know all protection, healings, and deliverance come from the hand of the God almighty only? Every little bit of escape, healings, and wellbeing directly come from God’s hand.

Believers in Christ also live temporarily in this evil-bound and wicked world. God has not delivered us from this cursed earth as of yet. We could also face the power, temptations, and consequences of sins when we live here. The whole world is still in the curse of the original sin. But in the midst of it all, God promised his protection and deliverance, if we dwell in the shelter of the Most High and rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91 verses 3-16 gives the various promises of God for our protection and wellbeing in the midst of all problems and dangers if God is our dwelling place.

How can I dwell in God? You can dwell in God when you believe Jesus died for your sins. Bible says in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 that God bought us with a price upon our acceptance of Christ as your savior– the price is the shed blood of Jesus Christ fully paid for the remission of all our sins. You are not your own, but you belong to God. You dwell in Him, and He dwells in you. Jesus also said, “the one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love and show myself to them. Anyone who loves Me will obey My teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. In other words, the triune God –God the Father, God the Son (Christ), and God the Holy Spirit- will come and dwell in a person who listens, loves and obey Jesus Christ. In short, if you belong to Jesus Christ, the Almighty God dwells in you and you in Him.

Then we can confidently say, “I dwell in the shelter of the Most High and I am in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Dearly beloved, Yes, Julia Hoban is correct- she couldn’t protect her dear parents from crash and death. Ralph Emerson’s life history teaches he could not protect himself either later in his life. But there is one who can defend and deliver us. The truth of the matter is this – the verse says God Himself is the refuge. Did you consider the protection, salvation, and deliverance available in the person of Jesus Christ who loved you and came to this world and died for all of your sins? If you are in Jesus Christ (If you accepted Christ as your savior and Lord), then you are safe and secure now and through all eternity.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? You can accept Jesus Christ as your savior and protector in a small prayer with me today. Pray with me:
“Father in heaven, I know no human being can protect me or my dear ones. I believe my help, protection, and deliverance come from you only. I believe in Jesus Christ who died, buried, and rose again for my sins. Please come to my life. Please protect and save me. In Jesus Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.”