Go! And Dwell Securely
Psalm 91:1 (NLT): “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Introduction: A Shelter in the Storm
We live in a world full of uncertainty. Every day, we are confronted with fear, chaos, conflict, and confusion. But Psalm 91 opens with a breathtaking promise—a declaration of divine protection and peace.
Today, in our “Go! And...” series, I invite you to reflect on this theme:
“Go! And Dwell Securely.”
This is not a call to isolation but to intimacy with God. It is an invitation to find your true refuge in the presence of the Almighty.
1. The Shelter of the Most High
Psalm 91:1 begins, “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High...”
The Hebrew word for “live” is “yashab” (??????), meaning to sit, remain, or dwell.
This isn’t a passing visit—it’s a permanent position. To dwell in God’s shelter is to abide in continual fellowship with Him.
The title “Most High” is El Elyon, which highlights God's sovereignty over all. He is above rulers, threats, viruses, governments, fears—He reigns supreme.
Psalm 27:5 (NLT): “For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock.”
Charles Stanley said, “God’s protection doesn’t mean you won’t get hurt; it means you will never be alone in the hurt.”
Dwelling in the shelter of God does not mean storms won’t come. It means the storm will never separate you from His presence.
Picture a child during a thunderstorm who runs into their father’s arms. The storm rages on, but the child rests, knowing they are safe in the embrace of someone stronger.
That’s what it means to dwell with the Most High.
2. The Shadow of the Almighty
Psalm 91:1 continues, “...will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Here, God is referred to as El Shaddai—meaning all-sufficient, all-powerful.
The “shadow” refers to nearness and covering. To be in someone’s shadow, you must be close. God offers not distant protection, but intimate security.
The Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) uses the word “skia” (s???)—meaning shade, protection, defence. The image is of one sitting in the shade of a mighty rock while the heat of the world rages on.
Isaiah 25:4 (NLT): “But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O Lord, a tower of refuge to the needy in distress.”
John Piper said, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”
To dwell in God’s shadow is to live in such closeness that His presence eclipses your fear.
When sheep stay close to the shepherd’s staff, wolves think twice.
Being in God’s shadow isn’t just comforting—it’s powerful.
3. Christ, Our Eternal Refuge
Psalm 91 points us prophetically toward Jesus. In fact, in Matthew 4, Satan quotes Psalm 91 to Jesus during His temptation:
Matthew 4:6–7 (NLT): “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you.’”
But Jesus responds with Scripture and wisdom. He knows that Psalm 91 is not about testing God’s power but trusting God’s protection.
Colossians 3:3 (NLT): “For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.”
Tim Keller said, “Jesus lost His shelter so you could find yours. He was cast out so you could be brought in.”
On the cross, Jesus was exposed, forsaken, wounded. Why?
So that you and I could dwell securely and eternally in Him.
4. Abide to Overcome: Living in Rest
To dwell is to abide. And to abide is to overcome.
When we live under God's shadow, fear cannot reign, sin cannot master, and death cannot win.
John 15:4 (NLT): “Remain in me, and I will remain in you.”
The Greek word for remain is “meno” (µ???)—meaning to continue, to stay, to be held fast.
Max Lucado said, “You will get through this. Not because you are strong, but because your Shepherd is.”
The one who abides in Christ is never alone, never abandoned, and never without hope.
Gospel Presentation: Jesus, Our Hiding Place
Let me speak directly to your heart today.
Outside of Christ, there is no true refuge.
Your job, your relationships, your status—none of these can be your shelter. They will fail. But Christ never fails.
Romans 5:8 (NLT): “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (NLT): “Christ died for our sins... He was buried, and He was raised from the dead on the third day.”
Jesus bore the storm of God’s justice, so we could live in His peace.
He died for your sin, and He rose so that you might rise too—into His shadow, into His shelter, into His life.
Call to Action: Go and Dwell Securely
Let me ask you these questions:
Are you dwelling under God’s covering?
Are you daily drawing close to His presence?
Is Jesus your true refuge?
If not, today is the day to come home.
Don’t just visit God on Sundays—dwell in Him every day.
Invitation to Salvation:
If you do not yet know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, I invite you now:
Pray:
"Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I repent of my sin. I turn to You as my shelter and Saviour. Cover me with Your grace. Be my Lord, my refuge, my life. Amen."
Benediction
Go now, beloved, and dwell securely.
Not in the temporary comforts of this world,
But in the everlasting shelter of the Almighty.
May you live daily in the strength of El Elyon,
The peace of El Shaddai,
And the saving presence of Jesus Christ, our refuge and our fortress.
Amen.
