Resting In The Shadow

Today’s Word of Encouragement From Wayne:

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the almighty” (Psalm 91:1)

Let us all praise God for the cool refreshment that His presence provides us, as we "abide in the shadow," against all the heat, strife, and stress of life. Whenever we approach God, in order to dwell "in the shelter of the Most High," as ministers to our Lord, we are blessed to receive His shelter of protection and privacy, and we also receive the blessing of resting, abiding in the shadow of the almighty. On a sweltering day of life in this world (but not of it), in the shadow of His smile is where we want to joyfully be. God’s shadow gives us shade and comfort. By ministering to our Lord, entering as priests in His presence we, in effect, place or leave our trials outside, thereby allowing our gracious Lord to shield us, in His almighty shadow, from all that would concern or afflict us.

Ministering to the Lord is our seeking and placing God first, which allows God to stand between us and all tribulation. Dwelling, or abiding, with God in His presence gives us both shelter and shadow, protection and refreshment, strength and rest... and peace. This blessed truth adds clarity to Jesus’ words when He said, "These things I have spoken to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). In the world there is tribulation. I think we all understand this. So let us also all joyfully receive, with understanding, "these things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace."

Yes, let us understand why God spoke His words to us, so that "in Me you may have peace." When we minister to our Lord, in His shelter and in His shadow, we are "in Me,"with Jesus, our God of peace. His word tells us this. When we practice this word, the peace of Jesus is real, His overcoming victory is real and present, amply supplying us with all the “courage” and encouragement we need, as we shelter, abide, and rest with our God "in the shadow of the almighty." Hallelujah!