January 12, 2025 – Pastor Nathan Johnson
In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, we all long for a sense of safety and security. It’s a fundamental human need, right after our basic physiological requirements. We see this desire for safety play out in countless ways—from where we choose to live, to how we manage our finances, and even in the relationships we cultivate.
But here’s the sobering truth: many of the places we look for security are inherently unstable. Real estate markets can crash, leaving our property investments in shambles. Financial institutions can fail, wiping out our savings. Even the people we trust most can change, sometimes right before our eyes. So where can we find true, lasting safety in such an uncertain world?
The answer lies in a timeless piece of wisdom from Psalm 91:1-2:
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust him.”
These verses reveal a profound truth: the only truly safe place is not a physical location or a human relationship, but in the presence of God Himself. Let’s unpack this idea and explore what it means for our lives.
First, notice the accessibility of this divine shelter. The text begins with “Those who…”This is an open invitation to anyone and everyone. Regardless of your past, your present circumstances, your social status, or what others might think of you, this place of safety is available. There are no prerequisites, no exclusive memberships required. It’s a refuge open to “whoever”seeks it.
However, there is one crucial requirement: dwelling. The psalm speaks of those who “live in” or “dwell in” this shelter. This isn’t about occasional visits or emergency drop-ins. To experience the full protection and peace of God’s presence, we must make it our permanent address. It’s about settling down and staying, making the presence of God our home in all seasons of life—in times of joy and sorrow, abundance and lack, clarity and confusion.
The psalmist goes on to use four powerful metaphors to describe this divine safe haven:
- A Shelter: God provides protection from the storms of life. When everything around us is in turmoil, He offers a place of calm and safety.
- A Shadow: Like a shade tree on a scorching day, God stands between us and the oppressive heat of life’s trials, offering relief and comfort.
- A Refuge: When life’s dangers pursue us, God is our hiding place, a secure location where our persecutors cannot reach.
- A Fortress: Against the more severe attacks of life—those aimed at destroying us—God stands as an impenetrable stronghold.
But who is this God who can be all these things and more? The psalm gives us four names that reveal His character:
- Elyon – The Most High, supreme over all creation and every earthly power.
- Shaddai – The Almighty, all-sufficient and needing no outside help to accomplish His will.
- Jehovah – The personal, covenant-keeping God who always fulfills His promises.
- Elohim – The Creator God who can bring something out of nothing, order out of chaos, and make a way where there seems to be no way.
This God offers protection that goes beyond our imagination. He promises to rescue us from hidden traps, shield us from false accusations, and wrap us in His arms of love. When we run to Him, we’re covered by His majesty—a covering so complete that nothing can touch us without His permission.
It’s crucial to understand that being in this “secret place” doesn’t mean we won’t face difficulties. Life will still happen, often in challenging ways. But when we dwell in God’s presence, these challenges don’t have the power to overwhelm or destroy us. We have a peace and stability that transcends our circumstances.
So how do we enter this place of safety? Jesus provides the answer in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” The path to this divine refuge is through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
This invitation comes with a challenge, however. To accept Jesus as Savior is to admit that we can’t save ourselves. It requires humility and a willingness to let go of our self-reliance. We must come to Him saying, “Lord, I can’t fix my life. I can’t save myself. I need You.”
As we reflect on these truths, let’s ask ourselves some important questions:
- Where have I been seeking safety and security in my life?
- Am I trying to provide my own safe place, or am I truly dwelling in God’s presence?
- What would it look like to make God’s presence my “permanent address”?
- In what areas of my life do I need to let go of self-reliance and trust in God’s protection?
Remember, no matter what storms may rage around us or what challenges we may face, we have access to the ultimate safe place. It’s not a physical location, but a Person—a loving, all-powerful God who invites us to dwell with Him.
In a world that can change in an instant, where earthly security can vanish like mist, we have an unchanging, unshakeable refuge. May we choose to dwell there, finding rest, peace, and true safety in the arms of our Almighty God.
