Shadow of The Almighty

[The Promise of the Almighty’s Presence, Protection and Provision]

 

my favorite promise from God ~

 

He who 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).

Moses was very clear about who he was talking about and whose shadow he wanted to hide in. He was talking about El Shaddai’s shadow. He was talking about the all-sufficient, ever-present, all-knowing God, the God who gets involved in the lives of his people. He said the Almighty casts a shadow. God’s shadow is the overflow of his presence. It speaks of the wonder and the majesty of his presence.

It’s good to be in God’s shadow. You never need to be afraid of God’s shadow. It means he is near. It’s an indication that he is close enough to hear you when you cry out for help, and for you to hear his words of encouragement. It means he’s close by to protect you. It means he’s there to defend you against your enemies and to fight with you in your spiritual battles. It means he’s there to cheer you up when you are sad and to fill your life with joy when those around you are filled with sadness.

The lovers in the Song of Songs illustrate this. Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my lover among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste. (Song of Songs 2:3). Picture the couple snuggled up to each other in the park. The young girl loved to sit close to her lover, in the shadow of his body. His shade was her delight. Living in God’s shadow is a joy. There’s nothing intimidating about the Father’s presence.  

You have made known to me the path of life; 
you will fill me with joy in your presence, 
with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:11).

He will cover you with his feathers, 
and under his wings you will find refuge; 
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. (Psalm 91:4).

It’s the picture of a mother hen gathering her baby chicks under her wings for protection. Under her wings there is safety from the hawks flying in the air and the traps of the hunters.

This image is found all through the psalms.

Keep me as the apple of your eye; 
hide me in the shadow of your wings. (Psalm 17:8).