“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'” (Psalm 91:1-2, NIV)

Here we find a powerful antidote to worry and fear: dwelling in the shelter of the Most High and finding rest in His shadow. In the world of the psalmist, a fortress was a place of ultimate security. It was constructed to resist attacks and to provide a haven in times of conflict.

This image is applied to God, asserting that He is our refuge and fortress. It speaks of God’s protection and reminds us that we are secure, not because of our circumstances, but because of who God is. The psalmist does not say that we won’t face threats, dangers, or fears. Instead, he tells us that in the midst of those things, we have a secure place.

The term ‘dwelling’ means more than just visiting; it implies living, staying, abiding. It’s a continuous, ongoing relationship. It’s not a one-time event but a lifestyle of reliance on God, of staying close to Him, of making Him our dwelling place.

When we are overcome by fear, we need to remember this image of God as our fortress and refuge. It’s a powerful antidote to the worry and fear that can often grip us. In times of fear, we can find comfort in knowing that we have a place of refuge, a place of safety in God.

But how do we dwell in the shelter of the Most High? By continually seeking Him, by making Him the focus of our lives, by trusting Him in all circumstances, and by continually reaffirming, as the Psalmist does, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Wonder in the Word

In moments of worry and fear, how can you practically “dwell in the shelter of the Most High”? What might this look like in your day-to-day life?