Today’s scripture: Psalm 91 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Vivian Wyatt):
Psalm 91 is one of my favorite psalms and one that I turn to frequently for comfort and pleasure. Pleasure because it is so beautifully rendered in the King James Version of the Bible. Comfort because it has some wonderful assurances about God.
At first glance the first verse appears to imply two places of shelter or safety: the secret place of the Most High and the shadow of the Almighty. Or, it is tautological, that is, an unnecessary repetition of a thought. For if one dwells in the secret place of the Most High, could it not be understood that one is also abiding in the shadow of the Almighty?
I believe that two distinct thoughts are being made here. But to understand this, let’s define some words and phrases:
Dwell — to live as a resident
Secret Place — a hiding place
Most High — title for God that means God above all gods
Abide — to sojourn (temporary stay) in a place
Shadow — shelter or protection, much like a mother hen gathers her chicks under her wing
Almighty — title for God that means having complete power
So a rendition of this verse could be, “A person that has made the hiding place that belongs to the God above all gods her home shall stay temporarily, as needed, under the protection of God who has complete power over everything.” An easier way to say this: If we are in close fellowship with God, then God will be faithful to shelter us from storms when we need it. I like that.
Prayer for the day: God, I want to dwell with you. I want to live in your secret place so that you will hide me under your wing when trouble arises. Amen
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.