Let’s go back to the first four words in Psalm 91:1 to see what our part is in order to experience protection, security and rest from God. The verse begins with “He who dwells in.” Verse 9 has the same concept: “If you make the Most High your dwelling.” Years ago, a small group including my brother and I were caught in a “flash flood” in which suddenly the roads were washed out within minutes. When the skies got dark and the winds picked up, most of us headed back to our “dwelling” and hid in the protection of the dry, sturdy walls. However, my brother had walked too far from our house and could not get back in time, thus, he was stranded to face the dangerous gusts of the storm.
We live in a world that resembles this fierce typhoon. Satan is engaged in a battle with us, pummeling us daily with a storm of lies, temptations, and stress. In several Psalms, we see King David encouraging us to go to God’s dwelling place and meditate on God’s Word day and night to be able to rest in His Presence. Make it a habitual practice to begin your day meditating on His Word. Don’t just hurriedly read and pray. Stop and ponder, pray, or even journal about a few verses that the Holy Spirit will highlight for you as you read. Continue to think on these verses as you go through your day.
As you experience temptations, stress or emotional and relational difficulties, immediately pray to God for wisdom, faith, strength, patience, peace, perseverance, love, kindness, gentleness, joy and self-control. When the Israelites would “dwell” in God’s Temple, they would offer sacrifices of praise, thanksgiving, surrender, and repentance. Like them, throughout the day, speak out words of thanksgiving and praise to God. Sing or listen to songs of praise. Post Scriptures in places for you to be reminded of His Truth. Ask for wisdom throughout the day for all you are doing. Pray for kindness, love and grace to deal with the people around you. When temptations come, surrender yourself to the Almighty God’s power and ask Him to free you from the enemy’s attacks. Take moments when you are alone to be quiet in His Presence. Ask God if there is anything offensive in your heart and confess and repent of whatever the Spirit reveals to you.
Take a moment to look at Psalm 91:9 to 16 and see all the amazing things God will do for you “if you make the Most High your dwelling.” Read verse 14 out loud putting your own name in this wonderful declaration of God’s intimate love for you. “‘Because He loves me,’ says the Lord, ‘I will rescue you; I will protect you, for you acknowledge my name. You will call upon Me, and I will answer you; I will be with you in trouble. I will deliver you and honor you!’”
Excerpt from More Beautiful By The Day
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