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In The Shadow

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

 

            When this psalm was written, there were walled cities, often built where they were comparatively defensible. Those who lived in the shadow of those walls could run into the city of they were attacked. Another consequence is that you tended to have to agree to live according to the rules of those in charge of the city. This just makes sense. History marched on, and technology changed. We no longer tend to have walled cities, though we do have gated communities. Who is or should be in charge of a specific area is often a matter of heated debate, but there is still some measure of rulership involved. We expect our community to protect us from anything we think threatens us.

            Years ago, I read a study that spoke to this. Children attending a school near a highway didn’t play during recess. They stuck close to the building for fear of the cars speeding by. Once the school erected a fence, the children played, even next to the fence, because they believed themselves safe.

            God set up such an agreement with the Jews. So long as they obeyed His rules, they could live in safety.  And He also told them what would happen if they didn’t obey. Our community still tries to do this. Today’s passage isn’t surprising or unusual for David’s time, or ours.

            But then there’s my reaction to this whole idea. I should be strong enough, and capable enough that I don’t need no city walls to protect me. Or, I get irritated because God doesn’t protect me from what I want Him to protect me in the way I want Him to protect me, as quickly as I want Him to protect me. I suspect it’s a universal reaction – no matter how irrational it might be.

            How different things might be if I really believed this verse. Whatever is happening is OK because I know that I’m being protected, no matter how frightening or frustrating the situation is. I don’t have to do the fight, flight, freeze, or fume routine because I’m safe. Consider the situation of a child who is facing  “danger” and a shadow they recognize as their father’s falls over them.

            My question shouldn’t be “where are you, God?” but “Am I in Your shadow?”

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