If I had to pick a favorite scripture it would be Psalms 91. As I was reading it this morning along with some commentary about it, my heart focused on the 2nd half of verse 1. Verse 1 states “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty”. Specifically “rest in the shadow of the Almighty”. What a wonderful declaration and promise. To have the assurance of resting in our Father’s shadow, such a comforting statement. But, let’s think about a shadow for a moment.
I used google to research the length of a person’s shadow as compared to their height. The short story is that the size of our shadows depend on the sun’s position. In the morning and evening times, our shadows will be taller than it is at noon. But, I really don’t need to get into the formal calculations for the point I’m trying to make at this time. I simply have one question.
If you are able to be in someone’s shadow, to actual step in it, would you physically need to be 1. Close to them or 2. At a distance from them? Since I’m not equipped at this time to allow you to submit your response I’ll give you the answer. The answer is close to them. You physically need to be near a person in order to get in their shadow.
So, what about the ability to “rest” in a shadow? To be in a restful position I believe it indicates a closeness that comes from being in relationship with the source of the shadow. I don’t believe we can keep God at a distance and still expect to be able to rest in his shadow. Pray every now and again, call on him only when our personal abilities don’t make the mark, live a life that does not align with his word yet still want believe we can be in a position to step into his shadow.
There are wonderful assurances when we have a genuine relationship with God. Psalms 91:
Psalm 91 (NIV)
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
If we want the benefits of HIS shadow you must be in true and active relationship with him.
