Shelter

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 (NIV)

Shelter leads to rest

Oh how restful it is to live within the love of God and have the shelter He provides.  It is a shelter that leads us to rest.  It is a shelter and covering that is not driven by the principalities, powers and evils of darkness which so often rule in this present age.  Our Heavenly Father gives us good shelter.  It is a refuge of protection, a place of provision, and a healing space for us.  It is a shelter rooted in His generous and unfailing love.

Dwell

Where have you been dwelling?  When was the last time you dwelt in the presence of God?  When did you last give minutes to the discipline of listening prayer?  May I encourage you to slow it down and spend some moments in the shelter of the Most High. Put away the phone.  Turn the television off.  Steal a solitary moment to settle your soul before God and invite the Spirit to whisper the words of life only He can give.

These aren’t words of condemnation at all.  These are words that I pray would encourage you to spend moments delighting in the Lord.  His presence is peace.

Rest

Dwelling with Jesus leads us to rest – every single time.  I love to remind myself and others that we are human BEINGS not human DOINGS.  We live in a culture infatuated with accomplishments, success, growth, and taking ground.  It means we get a lot of stuff done.  Mind you – a lot of good stuff at that.  But, let’s be clear, you are a being.  God loves you as a being not a doing.  Step into the rest of God as you make time to dwell in the shelter He provides.  Rest is your inheritance as a child of God.

Possible next step:

Evening Prayer

For those of you interested in getting started below is a peaceful structure of prayer that millions have used over the centuries introduced by St. Ignatius Loyola.  It is called the Prayer of Examen and it is a form of contemplative prayer.  I borrowed the simplest structure from 24/7 Prayer Movement in the UK.  This is a fantastic way to end your evening and spend moments with God in prayer – and rest in the shelter of the Most High.