Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1)
God’s secret place of refuge nestles safely in His shadow.
To be in the shadow of something requires relatively close proximity. Granted, the earth casts a shadow on the moon, still being approximately two hundred and thirty-nine thousand miles away. However, in the unmeasured expanse of space, even such a distance is comparatively small.
Here on earth, we must be close to an object to be in its shadow. To enjoy an umbrella’s shade, it must be closely overhead. A shade tree offers refreshing coolness to those within the radius of its branches. A loving father positions his child in his shadow as protection from the sun.
Blue Mountains in Australia
On a recent visit to the Blue Mountains in Australia, we visited a natural park in the Jamison Valley near the town of Katoomba. As we descended “the steepest passenger railway in the world, the Scenic Railway,” we slowly emerged through a cliff-side tunnel that yielded a breathtaking, panoramic view of the surrounding Eucalyptus-covered rainforest valley and mountains.
Our protected and shaded vantage point reminded me of several Scripture verses. The shaded shelter described in Psalm 91 suggests a nearness to God. The protection Moses experienced in the cleft in the rock reveals the awesome reverence when in God’s presence, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by.” (Exodus 33:21-22).
Resting in the secret, shaded refuge of Almighty God implies foreknowledge, trust, and earnest intentionality. I must know where it is, trust His loving shelter, and be purposeful in remaining there. I must also diligently pursue His promise: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
Basking in His precious, intimate presence produces an intense awe and reverence of who He is—at all times. His powerful glory, if unmasked, would instantly pulverize me. Yet, in His love, grace, and mercy, He covers me with His hand and heavenly care.
How blessed we are with the ability to not only boldly approach Almighty God but to also live each day in the secret place of His protective shadow and glorious presence.
