What does it mean to dwell in the “shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1)?
The phrase “dwell in the shadow of the Almighty” comes from Psalm 91:1, which says “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” This is a beautiful metaphor that conveys the protection, comfort, and security that come from being close to God. Here are some key things to understand about dwelling in God’s shadow:
God’s Protection
The imagery of being in someone’s shadow conveys the idea of being covered and protected. Just as a shadow blocks light and provides shade on a hot day, dwelling in God’s shadow means we are shielded by His power and presence. Psalm 91 goes on to describe this protection from harm and danger (Psalm 91:3-6). Under the protection of God’s wings, we do not need to be afraid of the terrors of the night or the arrows that fly by day. God guards and keeps watch over those who take refuge in Him.
Proximity to God
To be in someone’s shadow means you are staying close to that person. The nearest and clearest shadow is directly beneath where the light is blocked. Dwelling in God’s shadow means we are positioning ourselves near Him, close by His side. It speaks of an intimate, close relationship with the Lord. The whole psalm describes benefits that come from remaining near to the Most High and taking shelter in Him.
Comfort and Security
Being in the shade provides comfort from heat, just as God’s presence brings comfort amidst trials. Sitting under the shadow of a tree gives a sense of security and rest. Similarly, God invites us to find comfort and security in Him, resting under the shadow of His wings (Psalm 91:1-2). Even when difficulties come, we can have peace and confidence knowing we are safely under God’s protection and care.
Refuge and Retreat
Seeking refuge in the Ancient of Days, and dwelling in the shelter of God’s wings, speaks of God as a place of safety and retreat (Psalm 91:1-4).We all need a refuge at times from the storms of life. Trouble is inevitable, but in those times we can hide ourselves in God. Just as the shadows provide coolness on a hot day, God is our relief and place of respite when trials come.
God’s Constant Presence
Unlike our moving shadows that shift and change, God promises His protective shadow is constant, steady, and reliable. It does not change or disappear. Psalm 121:5 tells us “The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand.” Wherever we go, God promises to be present, watching over us and shielding us from harm.
Humility and Surrender
Abiding in someone’s shadow requires humility and dependence. We must acknowledge our need for God’s covering and protection. Surrendering control to One wiser and greater recognizes that we do not have the power to direct our own lives. Just as a child feels secure under the shadow of a parent, we find refuge by humbly submitting to the Most High (Psalm 91:1).
The Privilege of Intimacy
Dwelling in God’s shadow is a privilege reserved for those who walk closely with Him. Psalm 91 promises that God will deliver and protect those who know His name (Psalm 91:14-16). To know His name is to know His character and glory. Intimate friendship with God comes from time spent together, learning to trust Him more deeply. Abiding in Him brings confidence in His faithfulness.
New Testament Promises
The New Testament echoes these themes of sheltering under God’s protection and care. Jesus offered comfort, saying “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care” (Matthew 10:29). Just as chicks shelter safely under the wings of a mother hen, Jesus longed to gather His people under His protective care (Luke 13:34).
As believers today, we can still confidently dwell in the shelter of God’s wings. When we stay near to Him, trusting His faithfulness, we can rest assured of His constant presence watching over us. Abiding in the shadow of the Almighty, we are kept safe in His infinite power and unfailing love.
While Psalm 91:1 poetically speaks of God’s shadow, other passages describe His protection and care with different images:
God as a fortress and strong tower
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2)
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)
God as a shelter and hiding place
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” (Psalm 91:4)
“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” (Psalm 32:7)
God as defender and deliverer
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.” (Psalm 18:2)
“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.” (2 Timothy 4:18)
God as guardian and keeper
“He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber.” (Psalm 121:3)
“The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
The idea of dwelling in God’s shadow and shelter is woven throughout Scripture, testifying to God’s loving protection of His people. Staying close to Him, relying on Him fully, positions us to experience His defense and deliverance. Though trials and dangers will inevitably come, we can rest securely in God’s tender and mighty care.
What are some specific ways we can dwell in God’s shadow and shelter?
– Spend time daily in God’s Word and prayer to cultivate intimacy with Him
– Surrender anxious thoughts to Him, trusting His sovereign care in each situation
– Make God our first refuge in times of difficulty rather than a last resort
– Rely on His strength in areas of weakness and temptation
– Thank Him regularly for His faithful protection and help
– Choose fellowship with other believers to grow together under God
– Keep short accounts with sin through confession and repentance
– Worship God for His surpassing greatness and goodness
– Meditate on and memorize Scripture promises of His defense and deliverance
– Obey God’s commands to remain under the covering of His grace
– Foster consistent awareness of His presence in all of daily life
Abiding in the shelter of the Most High is both a privilege and a responsibility. As we intentionally dwell in God’s shadow, we’ll experience the profound security, comfort, and confidence that come from resting in His love and care.
The promise of Psalm 91
Psalm 91 is a beautiful promise of God’s protection for those who remain in close fellowship with Him. Here is a summary of its blessed assurances:
– Safety: “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (v.2)
– Protection: “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.” (v.4)
– Deliverance: “He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (v.11)
– Salvation: “He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.” (v.15)
– Victory: “I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (vv.15-16)
This magnificent psalm has brought comfort to believers throughout the ages. Its promises are grounded in the unfailing character of God Himself. As one who sees us, shields us, and saves us, we can trust Him fully.
Dwelling in the shelter of God does not mean we will be spared from all trial and suffering. But in our difficulties, God draws near as a very present help (Psalm 46:1). Even “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4).
Abiding in Him, we are eternally secure. His strength is made perfect in weakness. The peace of God guards our hearts when trouble is all around (Philippians 4:7). We can be confident that nothing separates us from His love (Romans 8:38-39).
In this world we will have trouble, Jesus said, but we can take heart because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). The security, deliverance and victory promised in Psalm 91 are found ultimately in Christ. As we dwell in Him, we dwell under the shadow of the Almighty.
Old Testament background
To understand more fully the imagery of God’s sheltering wing and protective shadow, it is helpful to look at other Old Testament passages that develop this metaphor.
In Ruth 2:12, Boaz prays that Ruth would find safety and provision under the wings of the God of Israel. This pictures the tender care and refuge God offers to those who trust in Him.
Several psalms use the metaphor of wings and feathers to portray the protective care of the Almighty:
“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.” (Psalm 17:8)
“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” (Psalm 36:7)
“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” (Psalm 57:1)
Jesus our shelter
The New Testament reveals that Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s shadow and shelter. Under His wings we find eternal refuge and security.
Christ compared Himself to a mother hen gathering her chicks under her protective care and presence (Matthew 23:37). He lived and died to provide a safe hiding place for all who put their trust in Him.
The book of Ruth speaks of taking refuge under the wings of God (Ruth 2:12). In a beautiful metaphor, Jesus is called “the Lamb who is in the center of the throne” who “will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:17).
The promises of Psalm 91 find their final and eternal fulfillment in Jesus. He alone is the perfect shelter and shadow of God Most High. Abiding in Christ, we can trust all God’s promises to protect and deliver those who dwell in His presence. We are safe forever in the impenetrable refuge of our Savior’s love.