Finding Rest When My Soul Is Restless
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ Surely He will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
Psalm 91:1-4 (NIV)
We live in a dangerous world that can often leave us feeling vulnerable and restless. When those emotions begin to threaten my security and drain me of my confidence, I turn to Psalm 91. It’s packed with encouragement and assurance of God’s protection and peace. Meditate on this Psalm for a moment until its message calms your heart and restores your peace. Practice the presence of God as you learn to dwell in the shelter of the Most High. Experience the rest God offers you in the shadow of the Almighty. Make the same faith proclamation the Psalmist made over your life: “I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”
God assures us of His protection despite the dangers that surround us. The Psalmists said, “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.” (Vs. 4-8)
The promise of God’s protection has a condition. He says, “If you make the Most High your dwelling-- even the LORD, who is my refuge-- then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; … ‘Because he loves me,’ says the LORD, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.’" (Vs. 9-11; 14-16)
Who doesn’t want to live a long and satisfying life? Doctors may add years to your life, but only God can add life to your years. God desires for you to live in safety. That doesn’t mean you’ll live a life exempt from danger or suffering. We live in a sinful and fallen world where life is hard. Our souls will be restless until we find our rest in Him. Your courage and confidence are in Him and from Him. As you learn to dwell in the shelter of the Most High God, you will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty!