psalm 91:1 - Thoughts About God

Storm Survival

Devotionals — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 08:03:22 +0000

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 ESV

My cell phone sounded the emergency signal: “Hurricane approaching! Seek shelter now!”

As the hurricane loomed, news stations cautioned viewers to prepare for a very dangerous storm. Examples were given of those who ignored or procrastinated in past storms and met devastating consequences.

But we were prepared – house boarded, necessary food and water purchased and storm kit replenished. Still, the wind pounding against the house was frightening, especially since the storm shutters prevent you from seeing what’s happening outside. Eventually, it was night and the power went out, so we were blind to what was going on anyway.

All we could do was pray and trust.

Jesus cautioned, “…in the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33 ESV). Tribulation is from the Greek word thlipsis, meaning pressure; confined and without options; a no-way-of-escape kind of pressure. Sounds like a hurricane, but also life’s storms.

Jesus prefaced His warning with, “I have said these things that in me you may have peace.” How do we have peace amidst life’s binding circumstances?

It certainly wasn’t peaceful that night. But the word peace, eiréné, is an inner peace, like peace of mind. Moreover, it indicates wholeness, as in all essential parts joined together. Like “abiding.”

Many leaves and branches blew down when the storm winds ravaged, but I noticed the ones closer to the trunk stayed intact. Are you abiding in Him, so closely joined that nothing can shake you lose?

In John 15:4, Jesus said, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself...”

Fruit? What is one of the fruits of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-23?

“Peace.”

Every day without a storm is preparation time. If we have our spiritual storm survival kit equipped, abiding in His Word and prayer, then we will be strengthened and have His inner peace whenever life’s storms surge.

Lord, thank you that as I abide in you, no storm in life can shake me loose.

By Penny Cooke
Used by Permission

Shelter Living

Devotionals — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 09:03:08 +0000

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty…. He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.”
Psalm 91:1, 4-5

We won’t find rest if we’re living somewhere else. We won’t know peace if we’re trusting in ourselves, in our circumstances, or in our feelings.

We must reside and persist in the presence of our Savior. If we don’t, our lives will be plagued by fear and worry. Our situation will overwhelm us. We will be fear-driven instead of living in His shelter.

How do we do this with a God we can’t see or touch?

This is where it gets tough. This choice of life, this shelter-living doesn’t happen accidentally. It takes intentionality. It takes spending time with our Savior, pouring over His words, sitting in His presence, quieting our hearts long enough to hear His gentle whispers, and seeking His way not ours. It means falling on our knees in repentance, mourning our sin and refusing to make excuses for it. It’s surrendering our hearts, our choices, and our will to Him. All of this is so contrary to the world around us, but this is how we live in the shelter. This is where we find rest. This is where protection is found.

This is where we will find peace in the storm.

When we live in the shelter of our Abba Father, we no longer need to be afraid. Worry will become a thing of the past. Trust will be our daily companion. He alone will be our place of refuge and we will know a peace the world will never comprehend.

Father, when our hearts are weary and troubled, help us to look to You. Give us the determination and discipline to choose to live in Your shelter, to find comfort in Your wings. Thank You that You give us rest. In Jesus’ name, amen.

By Kristi Huseby
Used by Permission

If you don’t know God and his forgiveness and would like to start living a life where he is at your centre, you can start that journey today with a prayer:

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I want to trust you from now on. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life. Make me be the person You want me to be. Thank you for enabling me to trust you in these uncertain times. Amen.

It starts today.

Rest in the Shadow

Devotionals — Wed, 20 Sep 2017 08:03:25 +0000

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1

Thought

At the end of summer’s scorching heat, where did you find your shadow of protection and refreshment? When we place our lives in the care of God Most High, we find that his shadow of protection and refreshment covers us. Even in times of difficulty, we know that he has protected us from the worst of Satan’s withering attack and that his presence offers us strength that we may not often see but always can trust.

Prayer

Give me eyes to see, O LORD, and a heart to believe that you are there when I cannot see any evidence of your presence. Please be my protection in times of attack and my refreshment in times that bring soul-withering despair. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

By Phil Ware
Used by Permission
You can also follow Phil’s daily devotionals on https://www.verseoftheday.com.

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