Dwell like Moses…

It’s been a rough year, for me personally and for many around me.

As a partial personal list beyond pandemic concerns – My parents are aging, having health issues and depending on me more heavily. I was a part of a natural disaster that I didn’t think would affect me the way it has for as long as it has. I had major cut backs in the contracts my business had secured. In the midst of all that, a lady hit my car out of no where. Honestly, the last 6 months have been exhausting and difficult.

The scripture I’ve recited, read, and meditated on in the last several weeks is Psalm 91. I’ve read the whole psalm most days, but for this pouring of words is verses 1-6.

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, And from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; Nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; Nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭91:1-6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I was not surprised that Moses may have penned these words that David compiled into the psalm or song. It is a song of assurance. It is a song of endurance. It is a song of trust and faith.

Moses with all his struggles would surely be able to recount abiding in God’s secret place and the strength that accompanies being there. He dwelled there – resided or spent time in God’s presence. He had conversations with God. It was two-way. It was intimate and intensely personal. He maintained his relationship with God in close proximity there. Through this psalm he expressed his experience as not only a follower of God, but as a leader trusting in what looked like uncertain circumstances. He specifically shared with us his confidence.

Moses had firsthand knowledge of being protected by night and guided during the day. He had the experience of God fighting his battles with thousands falling by the wayside. He witnessed the waters parting and walked on dry land to safety.

What we know that Moses didn’t at that time – that his testimony would still stand strong today. His dwelling in God’s secret place proved to be effective. Utilizing God as his refuge kept him and delivered him. It wasn’t a quick fix – but God came through at the end.

This psalm teaches us to remain persistent in our faith and trust in adversity. The psalm helps us to find the time to dwell and abide and remain prayerful. It reminds us to find our hiding place to have time in God’s presence. Not only will the mighty one protect us, but also those around us.

Moses’ speech was not eloquent, but he led the “stiff-necked” Israelites out of bondage. Don’t be discouraged by your limitations- just dwell. Psalm 91 is the assurance that God has your back even in the thick of struggles and when you may not feel qualified.

Psalm 91 is encouragement through Moses’ experiences to find that comfy place under the shield of God’s wings where we can trust and we are safe. Soon others will see our testimony and draw strength just as we draw strength from Moses.