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Resting In The Shadow Of El Shaddai


When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. (Genesis 17:1)

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1) 

EL-SHADDAI “The God of the mountains or God Almighty”
          For most of my life, if I turned something on and it didn't work, I called, "Da-ad." Do you have one of those MacGyver, mechanical sort of people in your life? You know, the ones you're sure they can fix anything. It's amazing how much stress that removes from your life. Have a problem? Go take a long, hot bath and when you're done luxuriating, the problem doesn't exist. Ah...that's the life. I miss it.
          While I dwelt in the shelter of my father's household (and his ability remained), I rested in the shadow of his mechanical skill. That "Da-ad" response and that "Ah" response is what Psalm 91 is talking about. That's the response God was teaching Abram to have when he was ninety-nine, childless, and living in the equivalent of a caravan of RVs. It's the lesson for which Abraham passed the test when he was ready and willing to sacrifice Isaac. 
          I'm not there. One of the problems with being a writer is that one has to promote one's writing, first to publishers and then to the public. One of the problems I'm facing when I head north is seriously exploring the possibility of temporary employment. That requires that I promote myself. My response to that isn't "El Shadaaa-iiii" or "Ah." In spite of the fact that every job I've ever had has been offered to me immediately (or even before I applied!) the thought of having to provide references or of trying to show or convince them that I am the answer to their prayers can create crippling anxiety.
          This is one of the reasons why I ask for people to pray for me to have "wisdom, direction, and attitude." I tend to forget to rest in the shadow of El Shaddai. Resting is hard work. I think I need to start working on my resting "muscles," to start to get in resting condition. I'm not even sure how to do that, so I guess I'd better starting talking to my resting Coach.
          Lord Jesus, You rested in El Shaddai. Teach me how to do the same.

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