
Kerry Lytle
May 17, 2025
Psalm 91:1. New Living Translation
"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty."
So, what does it mean to “dwell” in the shadow of the Almighty? I think of the times when I have gone for a walk with someone when the sun is out. Their shadow extends itself from them on the ground. To dwell under their shadow means to be close to them. We live close to God when we dwell in His shadow. The same can be said for being under the shadow of a shade tree. We have to be close to that tree to be in its shadow. One of the definitions for dwell is to abide or to reside. As a Christian, we are told to abide in Jesus in John 15:4 (ESV), “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”
To dwell also means to live in or at a specified place. So, in Psalms 91:1 (NKJV) says, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”
To "remain in God's shadow," or to dwell in His presence and protection, means to live under His authority and guidance, trusting in His love and power. This involves a conscious decision to follow Him and seek His will, while trusting Him to take care of everything else. It's about actively seeking Him through prayer, meditation on His Word, and seeking His wisdom and guidance in all aspects of life… Daily.
So, how do we dwell with the Lord daily? Here's some ways"
Follow His lead:
This means actively seeking His will in your daily life and trusting His guidance, rather than relying on your own plans or solutions.
Listen to His voice:
Pay attention to His promptings, and call through your thoughts, your heart, and the experiences you have.
Be open to His leading:
Be willing to adjust your plans and choices based on His guidance, even if they seem different from your own preferences. (That’s a hard one!)
Believe in His promises:
Trust that God will provide for your needs and protect you, as He has promised.
Confide in His wisdom:
Recognize that God knows what is best for you and trust His wisdom in all situations.
Lean on His strength:
Depend on God's strength and power to overcome challenges and temptations.
Pray regularly:
Spend time talking to God, expressing your needs, and seeking His guidance.
Praise and thank Him:
Express your gratitude for His blessings and acknowledge His greatness.
Seek His presence:
Find joy and peace in spending time with God, whether through prayer, worship, or simply being mindful of His presence.
By consistently practicing these things you can grow a close relationship with God and abide in His shadow, experiencing His protection, guidance, and unwavering love!