Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91.1
Oh, that’s good when you sit inside in front of a warm oven and outside it is only in raining! Then you will understand the verse above!How good that I am not my guard dog! He must stay outside. He has his hut, but every so often he has to go back to his work and report when someone is moving about. Then he is standing in the wind and rain, barking to himself, the poor one.
I think we humans are also not much wiser. Again and again we run outside, into the wind and rain, and become wet and cold. Why don’t we get comfortable in the security?
It is our old ego that always rebels and tries to have its own ways. It just cannot be quiet. One wants to be humble, but the old self always re-arises with pride. One wants to be modest, but the ego becomes envious of others and wants to have this and that, otherwise it starts to nag and moan like a small child. One wants to break with sin, but it lures the fat self until one gives in.
Jesus was different. When he was lying in the boat and the storm came, which frightened the disciples, he could sleep. He rested in the shadow of the Almighty. When he was to be pushed off the mountain in Nazareth, He simply walked away through the crowd. He was the serenity in person, because He dwelt in the shelter of the Most High and rested in the shadow of the Almighty.
Paul could do it too. He was independent of prison walls. He was also able to rest in prison in the shadow of the Almighty. There he was safe and there he could sing praises to God.
It is not just looking at Jesus, which makes this possible. It is the presence of Jesus that makes it possible! There is no special technique like autogenous training or yoga, but the power of God. HE is where He is thanked, honored and praised! He is where HE is king of the heart; – and that makes a very positive impression! He is our peace.
Thank you, Jesus, with you is real security! There I can remain relaxed, for you accept me and my needs. I can unload them completely and trust you to do the best. Oh, Lord, that I would always be so close to you! Help me, Lord!
Psalm 27, 1 – 14“>Bible reading today: Psalm 27, 1 – 14