What does it mean to dwell in the “shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1)?

Answer

In one of the most uplifting passages of Scripture, we find this comforting promise: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty” «He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. », (Psalm 91:1, ESV). Living in the shadow of the Almighty means living under God’s protective promise.

The word “dwell” means “to live in or be an inhabitant of.” “Shelter” refers to “a hiding place, covering, or protection.” “Shadow” suggests “shade, comfort, protection, and defense.” And “abide” means “lodge, live, spend the night.” The language of Psalm 91:1 describes someone who is completely comfortable and welcomed into the household and community life of the Most High God.

“Most High” is a title for God that nullifies every threat. This title emphasizes God’s supreme power as the sovereign ruler of the world. “Almighty” or “Shaddai” is the name that sustained the wandering patriarchs «and I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them. », (Exodus 6:3). As the Almighty, God is fully capable of fulfilling all His promises.

Living in the shadow of the Almighty is the daily reality of someone who, even when persecuted or threatened by danger, feels completely secure in the protection, comfort, and safety of Yahweh, the God of absolute power. This individual proclaims of the Lord: “He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him” «I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in him will I trust. », (Psalm 91:2, NLT).

Psalm 91Does not provide immunity from life’s threats. It does not promise God’s protection from danger and trouble; it offers the promise of God’s protection amid hardship and peril.

The theme of Psalm 91 focuses a spotlight on absolute trust in God and loyalty to Him. This kind of trust suggests intimate friendship with God. It is this sort of loving relationship that inspires the psalmist to say, “How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings” «How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. », (Psalm 36:7, ESV). It is the attitude of one who clings to the Lord at all times, saying, “For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock” «For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: In the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. », (Psalm 27:5, ESV).

The person who is always thinking about God and trusting in Him has the Almighty as a constant companion. The Lord stretches His “shadow” or “protective shade” over the man or woman who sets up camp in His presence.

Isaiah 25:4 describes the “shadow of the Almighty” as “a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.” Psalm 18:2 declares, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety” (NLT). “The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand,” says Psalm 121:5.

Psalm 91 continues, “If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will

Come near your home, for He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The LORD says, ‘I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name’” (Psalm 91:9-14;NLT). Abiding in God’s presence, we find security, protection, and care. The ultimate victory is ours in Christ.

The “shadow of the Almighty” is like a shade cast by the Lord that marks off a clearly perceived boundary. Those who are covered by the Lord’s boundary line of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ will reside forever in God’s presence. Believers in Jesus are covered by the blood of Christ, which grants full access into the throne room of God’s grace (Hebrews 10:19-22;13:12;Ephesians 2:13). The Lord’s sacrifice provides salvation and protection that stretches beyond the boundaries of this life «neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. », (Hebrews 9:12). Only the redeemed of the Lord can securely say, “Let me live forever in Your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of Your wings!” «I will abide in Your tabernacle forever: I will trust in the covert of Your wings. », (Psalm 61:4, NLT).

To dwell in the “shadow of the Almighty” is to find complete and eternal rest and safety, no matter what we face in this life, in death, or in the life to come.