"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."
Sometimes when I talk about needing sleep, what I really need is rest. I am not so much sleepy as I am weary. I am weary from worry, weary from stress, weary from trouble. I know this is not a sleep issue, because after I awake following a great sleep, those concerns are still there. So this Psalm gives me an antidote. A prescription for my weariness. A clue as to how to rest.
I think the key to the whole verse is the word 'dwell'. The Hebrew word for dwell is 'yashab' which is defined as sit, remain or abide. The original language is often so illustrative. I cannot rest much while standing. Sitting helps to settle me down. I often need to be 'sat down' in order for me to listen or focus. 'Remaining' carries some connotation for me also. I need to stay put for a while in order to rest. Remaining longer than I want can be good for me.
The last piece of the definition is equally as meaningful. 'Abiding' is vital. Not only should I sit and stay, I should be tethered to Him. Abiding in Him. Connected permanently. I know I am, but to practice it is deeper. Hope this offers the weary a way to consider rest. I say I want it, but am I willing to do it?
Oh how wonderful and peaceful the shadow of the Almighty is. Like nothing else. Jesus would ask us to sit, remain and abide. When we do, the rest will come.
In His Presence,
Pastor Fred
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