Dwell in the Shelter
Updated: Jun 9, 2023
"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1
Dwell means to live or stay as a permanent resident; to exist or continue in a given state; to be motionless for a certain interval during operation.
The Hebrew word for dwell is yashab. It is a verb that means to sit, to remain.
Notice this word is a verb, or an action word. I think we wrongly assume that to dwell in the shelter means that we take no action.
But, it takes effort to remain.
To dwell in the shelter of the Most High is to take permanent residence with Him; to continue in that given state inside His shelter and to be motionless for a certain interval. It is putting yourself completely under His watchful eye in complete surrender.
It is in the action of dwelling that we abide.
The Hebrew word for abide in Psalm 91:1 means to lodge; spend the night.
The night brings darkness and can be frightening. When night falls, we long to find shelter. The Most High provides shelter for us from the darkness. He invites us in to dwell. He covers us and surrounds us with His protection when we take action to dwell with Him; when we choose to remain in Him.
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust." Surely he shall deliver you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He shall cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you shall find refuge; his faithfulness shall 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. ~Psalm 91:2-6
What comfort there is for the "dwellers" of the Most High. What peace to dwell in His Presence. He invites us to lodge and take up permanent residence there. We never have to leave. We are always welcome to bask under His wings and let His love enfold us.
He invites us. It is up to us to choose to take shelter, dwell, and abide.
If you say, "The LORD is my refuge," and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. ~Psalm 91:9-12
"Because he loves me, "says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation." ~Psalm 91:14-15
Prayer
Heavenly Father, our Refuge and Shelter,
Help us to learn to dwell in Your shelter more and more. As we do, cover us with Your protection. When we wander out of Your protection, lead us back. Things in this world taunt and tempt us. However, no-thing satisfies the longing in our hearts, only YOU! Fill us more and more with Your Holy Spirit. Teach us to abide deeper each day. In Jesus Name, Amen
