Psalm 91 Dwelling in Rest

 We all seek rest in many ways

Striving to “arrive”

Aiming to please God so we will be blessed

Paying off tormentors

Drowning our fears, our woes, our restlessness in whatever addiction fancies

Psalm 91 shows us the right way

Starting off how we might expect:

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”

Do your eyes roll? Glaze over? Hurry on?

But here is step one: dwell

Dwell near/in God

Determine to trust in Him

Run to Him for all needs of refuge

A strong fortress where safety is always found

It is followed by six verses of description

What does God’s protection look like?

Deliverance, covering, shield, no need to fear

Snares, disease, terrors, war, death, destruction

At all times safe from them all

And another five verses of description

The fullness of God’s care for those who dwell!

No evil. No plague.

Attentive angels.

Victory over those things that can harm

And then step two: relationship

 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; 

I will protect him, because he knows my name.

When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” 

Dwell with God

Not as an empty but safe tower

A place devoid of personality and warmth

Nor as a comfy, light-filled safehouse

Know Him and love Him

Do you see just how pleased He is with that?

Just how many ways He says He will care for you?

The overabundance of description? 

How utterly protected those who dwell are?

Rest indeed!

And then, a crowning joy: reciprocal relationship

He shares the treasures of His salvation

Not simply saving you or handing you a book

But like a newly trusted friend showing secret saved up treasures

He shares Himself!