Psalm 91:1

Psalm 91:1

The shelter off the Most High

Psalm 89 was woeful and Psalm 90, not a lot better. Poor Moses became increasingly dismal as he pondered the temporary pointlessness of human existence and the effects of the wrath of God on all mankind. At the time Moses was only too aware of the threat of death that cut short human life far too soon. He pleads for God’s love upon the people so that they might have some purpose and something to show their children.

Psalm 91 is written by an anonymous author, but it is a feast of delights and a complete contrast to the woes of its predecessor. In this Psalm the godly are promised safety and protection and even though thousands may fall in the battles, the one who trusts in the Lord will be kept safe. There are no terrors to be afraid of, for the Lord God is with those who love Him.

 

V1        There are a number of ways in which God’s people have dwelt in the shelter of the Most High. (The Creator of Heaven and Earth). During the time of the Israelite’s wanderings in the wilderness and their journey from Egypt to Canaan, the shelter was a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night. The cloud that covered them was the shadow of the presence of the Lord God and it protected them from the fearsome heat of the desert sun, as well as being their guide on their journey. The Jewish prayer shawl or Tallit is symbolic of this covering, we will return to this in verse 4. 

We have seen in previous Psalms, especially those written by David, that the Tabernacle and its courtyard (and later the Temple with its courts) were regarded as place of safety and refuge. Any man or woman who drew close entered the shelter of the Most High and rested in the shadow of the Almighty. 

Churches and cathedrals are still regarded as sacred places where men and women should be able to hide or rest in safety, although the enemies of God do not recognise the sanctity of the so-called holy ground. For disciples of Jesus, the Scriptures confirm that we are the Temple of God’s Holy Spirit, both individually and corporately, and thus we dwell in the presence of the Almighty at all times, unless we abandon His shelter.  (1 Corinthians 6:19) Isn’t it a beautiful and reassuring fact that, wherever we go, whatever we do, if we dwell with Him we rest in His divine shadow. He will never leave us nor forsake us, He is our covering and our shelter day and night, 24/7, all the days of our lives. Hallelujah! 

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