Ponder This: How can I actively “rest in the shadow of the Almighty” this week?
Scripture To Consider: Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.- Psalm 91:1
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Tom's Response:
Life is filled with difficulties, disappointments, and hardships.
I think of John 16:33, where Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
I think of peace when I think about resting in God's shadow. Too often, I try to fix the problem without talking to Jesus.
I abandon the counsel of His Spirit and the opportunity for that peace. Not as often as I did in my younger years, but I still will rush into the quick fix. Rush is not congruent with peace.
Ephesians 3:18 tells us that the love Jesus has for us is beyond human comprehension. He wants us in his shadow at all times. For me, prayer, conversation, and stillness help get me there. Although stillness is very hard for me and my prayers and conversations are often short, I know that each time I turn to the Lord, He is near.
Karen's Response:
This question had a lot for me to unpack, so I broke it down into a few segments.
Actively Rest - usually, I think of rest as just being still, but this question invited me to think of it differently. Active rest isn’t just stopping, but it is choosing where I place my attention and my trust.
Psalm 46:10 God says - “Be still, and know I am God.”
And in Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus also invites us into active rest. When he says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
In The Shadow - Here in Florida, we know the importance of shadows. When the summer heat arrives, shade becomes necessary. You have to be near the source and step into the shadow it provides. In the same way, resting in God’s shadow means staying near Him and returning to Him throughout the day.
James 4:8 reminds us, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
Of The Almighty - Mighty God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, Holy One - He is so BIG, yet comes so near me that he can be my shelter. He will hold me, strengthen me, and share His peace.
The beautiful words of Isaiah 41:10 say, " fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
And Psalm 139:7-10 reminds us how big God is, “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! 9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.”
After pondering this question, my main takeaway is to be more intentional about staying close to God and about enjoying the comfort, protection, guidance, and rest I can find in His presence each day.
