Psalm 91: The Dwelling

​Key Verse
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
 
Meditation
Today’s reading invites you to experience the power, protection, and promise of God’s presence through richly dwelling in Jesus, our covenant representative. Jesus is the faithful king who “held fast” to the Father in love (v. 14) so those who belong to Him can be held fast by God’s covenant faithfulness. “Dwelling” with God (v. 1) is possible through Christ’s work, and embracing this reality in Him will lead us to know Him as “our refuge and fortress” (v. 2).
 
To dwell in God is to make Him your refuge (v. 9), to live in His shadow (v. 1) like baby birds protected by God’s metaphorical wings and covered with  His literal loving kindness (v. 4). The presence of God is personal! And powerful. Look at the litany of promises for people who dwell with God’s king, abiding in our Divine lover:
 
-I will deliver you (v. 3).
-I will cover you (v. 4).
-You will not fear (v. 5).
-No evil will befall you and no plague will come near your tent (v. 10).
-He will command His angels to protect you (v. 11).
-You will trample the enemy (v. 12).
-I will deliver you (v. 14).
-I will protect you (v. 14).
-I will answer you when you call (v. 15).
-I will be with you in times of trouble (v. 15).
-I will rescue and honor you (v. 15).
-I will satisfy with long life and show salvation (v. 15).
 
The New Testament assumes Jesus is the fulfillment of this psalm ( compare v. 11 with Luke 4:9-10 and vs. 13 to Luke 10:19). Jesus’ finished work compels believers to dwell with God through faith in Him and His word. 
 
Today’s Reading
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”
3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
    and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his pinions,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
5 You will not fear the terror of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
    nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
 
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.
8 You will only look with your eyes
    and see the recompense of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place--
    the Most High, who is my refuge--
10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
    no plague come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways.

12 On their hands they will bear you up,
    lest you strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the adder;
    the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
    I will protect him, because he knows my name.
15 When he calls to me, I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble;
    I will rescue him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.”
 
Richly Dwelling
-Where do you turn in times of trouble? Is the person of God the place of your refuge and strength?
 
-Which of the promises in this passage speak to you most personally? Why?
 
-Jesus is the fullness of the person and promises of God. How can your heart refocus hope in Him? What do you need to turn from to trust more fully in Him?
 
Key Verse
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”