What dwelling?

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty...You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.

(Psalm 91:1, 5-6)

Coming up the lower level stair steps I greeted my husband at the kitchen door, “Hey, hon. You’re home early today.” His response was not what I expected, “Well, I guess I’m going to be home for a while. I lost my job.”

Not again! Barely out of boxes from our most recent move just seven months earlier, we could hardly get our arms around what had happened. So we put our arms around each other...and in the promises of our Most High God.

Psalm 91 became my source of encouragement and assurance during the next months. Frustrated I constantly fought fears and doubts about my future—“Dwelling? What dwelling? Lord, I really am thankful for every place we’ve lived and each house you’ve given us. But, Father, seven moves in 16 years is a lot and I’m weary. I’m worn out from picking up, packing up, and starting over. I feel as if I’m constantly living in ‘temporary’.”

Rich in metaphors and speaking of physical as well as spiritual safety, Psalm 91 promises deliverance from every type of danger. Nothing can touch those whom God protects. We’re assured rest if we dwell in the Almighty’s shadow (v. 1) and protection from harm and disaster if we make the Lord our dwelling (v. 9-10).

Sixteen months since losing his job, we’re settling in our new physical dwelling—new job, new state, new community, and new friends. Spiritually, I continue to stay firmly entrenched under His shadow. I realize life isn’t all roses. If it were, verse 15 would have no meaning, “He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.”

Blessings, my friend.

Faithfully Following