The Shelter of the Almighty

Psalm 91:1 (NAS): 1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

On my daily commute, pointed in no particular direction, my thoughts settled themselves on words I’ve since chosen for the title of this post. As often happens, the thought gave way to a memory, and I was lead back to the first moments this passage settled deep within me.

It was a beautiful day in early September. My family and I were on a mission trip to Kijabe, Kenya to work with friends at Moffat Bible College. This day we were sitting in an outdoor restaurant at a mall in Nairobi. This mall was much like the one that would later be attacked by al-Shabaab militants, exactly seven days after we were there.

We were having lunch with a missionary to the Maasai people of Southwestern Kenya. I was completely enrapt by his story. He told us he had been serving in Rwanda when the genocide began. He and his family were making plans to leave the country the night the killing started. From their home they could hear the screams and shouts of chaos and slaughter outside. To leave, they would have to survive the dangers of the night.

He recalled the fear and tension, as he and his young son stood guard over his wife and daughter all night with machetes in hand. Every bump, creek and howl brought thoughts of the worst down upon them. During the long night he and his son turned to Psalm 91 to still their nerves and to find courage. He said they had it memorized, and they recited it often through the dark night.

He said he witnessed many fall at his right and at his left, but the violence did not come near. They sought the shelter of the Almighty that night and His faithfulness proved a shield and a bulwark. As he turned from storyteller to proclaimer, he taught us that though many know the Lord is there, few intentionally seek refuge in Him in their time of trouble. Yet that’s what the Lord invites us to do. To seek refuge in Him.

If you are enduring a time of trouble. Come in from the fear and the ravages of the night. His door stands open to all in need. Enter the shelter of the Almighty. He invites you to seek refuge in Him.

Since that wonderful day in Nairobi, I have been intentional about seeking the shelter of the Almighty in my time of trouble, and there have been many. The Lord has indeed proven Himself faithful to me and my family. I think you’ll find Him faithful too.

Be blessed, the tomb is empty.

Psalm 91:4 (NAS): 4 He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge;