"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 whose I trust." (Psalm 91:1-2 NIV)
Dwellers experience rest.
Making our home in God is an act of will.
Our dear friend, Steve, sent us this scripture in the early hours, as he often does. He loves to offer encouragement before the sun has even made an appearance. I flipped to the reference in my favorite bible and there was a date in the margin. 08/10/15. It was my first message as co-pastor in Algona – the one where I wrestled with our relocation and the surrender of the concept of home. I concluded: the Almighty needed to be my home. Glancing back, it feels prophetic. We have moved more consistently in the last eight years than any other season of my life. It would seem I am still learning to live out this truth.
In thinking about dwelling in the shadow of God’s presence, the cloud by day and fire by night come to mind.
"By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people." (Exodus 13:21-22 NIV)
It’s obvious that the fire of God’s presence would light up the Israelites way, but wouldn’t it also warm them and ward off enemies? Deserts are hot during the day, but when the sun sets, they become bitter cold. God set Himself as a bonfire in the center of the camp each evening: providing light, warmth, and a warning to this who may attack at night.
What about the daytime? What does one require the most as they traipse under the blazing desert sun? Every Texan can tell you, we are scrounging for shade! The Lord Himself provided shade for His people in His presence, and potentially moist air that would refresh the wilderness wanderers.
Turns out God’s presence is awesome and also, practical! Psalm 121 reinforces this entire idea. We can picture our God hovering over His set apart people as He slowly moved them through the wilderness, sanctifying them with every step.
"I lift my eyes up to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip – He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you – the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, not the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm – He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." (Psalm 121, NIV)
God’s protection and provision occurred as a result of His presence. It was true for the Israelites and it’s still true for us. God tenderly cares for the people who keep close to Him. He invites us to dwell with Him, under the shadow of His presence. We are the strugglers in this arrangement. We see something shiny and set out after it. We believe the lie that we cannot be satisfied with the bread He offers. We disregard His instructions for the safekeeping of our souls. We are sorely mistaken.
Lord, please forgive us for wandering out of Your presence. We are so easily diverted, dissuaded and ultimately distanced. Help us picture ourselves in Your shade by day and bathed in Your light at night. Stragglers are easily abducted, carried off in the jaw of the one who preys on souls. Our best defense is nearness. How wondrous that we can feel the power of Your presence: the coolness of Your shade, the warmth of Your fire. Let us become preoccupied with proximity. May Your presence be the primary focus of our existence. Amen.