Bulletin Articles
The Shelter of the Most High
Psalm 91:1 states, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” This passage reminds us that the Lord watches over those who maintain a continuous fellowship with him from sunset to dawn.
In our relationships, ‘abide’ is often thought of as a temporary visit: visiting someone is different from living with them. Visiting implies spending time with that person, but living with them creates a sense of closeness and companionship. This is also true for our relationship with God. When we abide in him, we don’t just go to the Lord for a short visit or rest but for a permanent stay, intimate connection with him: it’s about building a personal relationship, staying consistently connected, and growing spiritually.
The Bible teaches us that to dwell in God's shelter and abide in his shadow, we must build a deep personal relationship with him, trust him completely, and surrender control of our lives. We must acknowledge God as our ultimate source of security and strength in every circumstance. A clear example of this is developing a devotion routine, submitting to him in all our ways, engaging in fellowship with brethren, and seeking spiritual growth through his word. Failing to abide in God can lead to stress, spiritual dryness, hindered faith growth, diminished spiritual fruit, isolation, and increased temptation and sin.
Our circumstances can push us away from fellowship and the vital connections we share. In these moments, we become vulnerable to anxiety, fear, sin, and the pressure of the world to seek solutions with our own hands. Just like David, who expressed a deep longing to dwell in the house of the Lord forever, we also need to hunger, and desire, to find refuge in God’s presence forever. For example, making a daily habit of prayer can help us experience peace and protection, guiding us through everyday challenges.
John 15:4 reminds us to stay connected to Jesus, and in turn, Jesus will remain connected to us. This mutual relationship is crucial; believers cannot produce spiritual fruit without remaining in Jesus. Abiding in Jesus means declaring our dependence on him, relying on him even when the wicked are prospering, even when we don’t know what else to pray about, and seeking spiritual growth. As we abide in him, we reflect God’s character in our lives.
This psalm reminds us of the importance of dwelling in the secret place of the Most High, finding refuge and strength in God's presence amidst life's challenges. Just as friendships and marriages require ongoing effort to thrive, believers need daily devotion and worship to stay connected to Jesus. By making these practices a regular part of our lives, we can navigate challenges with peace and security. When we keep our eyes on him, even in difficult times, his name is glorified, and we experience his continuing support.
