The Shelter of Being @ Home with God!
Read: Psalm 91
Watch: https://bibleproject.com/videos/book-of-psalms/
Finding Your Shelter in Life’s Storms
What comes to mind when you hear words like shelter, refuge, rescue, or protection? Perhaps you envision a safe haven during a raging storm, a sanctuary from a natural disaster, or a secure place for those displaced. But have you ever considered that in the midst of your own crazy-busy, chaotic day-to-day life, you might desperately need these very things?
Maybe you’re not facing a literal storm, but you’re simply hoping for a break, a quiet “time-out” from the relentless hustle and bustle of modern life.
Psalm 91 stands as a lighthouse beacon shining in the darkness of our world. It’s a powerful call to turn (or return) to Almighty God, our Father, as our ultimate refuge, protector, and deliverer. For those who choose to remain in Him, this Psalm unveils a profound security.
Last week, I emphasized that the safest place we can be is in worship. To clarify, this means that no matter our current state – physically, mentally, or emotionally – we can always turn our hearts and minds to our Father. We’ve been given the ultimate access: the “password” to “call upon the Name of the Lord our God” for help. When we speak the name of Jesus, there’s no waiting for a text or a call for double authentication. We have direct, instant access into the Holy of Holies – the very throne room of Almighty God.
It’s almost like when Frodo put on the One Ring and was transformed into another reality. In an even more profound spiritual sense, when we call upon the name of Jesus, we are instantly transitioned under “the shelter of His wings.”
Psalm 91 beautifully breaks down what this extraordinary promise means. It declares: No fear of terrors, no dread of disease, no evil will touch you or conquer you. Why? “If you make the Most High your shelter, His angels will protect you, and you will trample lions and serpents!” Wow, talk about powerful spiritual warfare!
So, during this Summer of Psalms (and always), a crucial question arises: Are you truly living in the shelter of the Most High? If not, perhaps it’s time to make a shift. Perhaps you need to consciously “make the Most High your shelter!”
Pray: Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, I come under your security and protection! You are my shelter!
Discussion Questions:
- “Are you truly living in the shelter of the Most High? If not, maybe you need to move! Maybe you need to ‘make the Most High your shelter!'” What practical, tangible steps can you take this week to intentionally “move” more deeply into His shelter? What old habits or assumptions might you need to shed to embrace this way of living?
2. Think of the contrast of our “crazy-busy, chaotic day-to-day life” with the need for “shelter, refuge, rescue, or protection.” Beyond literal dangers, what are some of the most common “storms” or “threats” you face in your daily life (e.g., stress, anxiety, comparison, spiritual dryness)? How do you typically seek shelter from these, and how might making God your first refuge change your approach?
3. Think about the powerful analogy of “direct access into the Holy of Holies… the throne room of Almighty God” when we call on Jesus’ name, instantly bringing us “under ‘the shelter of His Wings.'” How does this concept of immediate, intimate access to God challenge or deepen your understanding of prayer and worship? What specific fears or anxieties might you bring into “the shelter of His Wings” this week?
