“The one who lives under the protection of the Most High
dwells in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say concerning the Lord, who is my refuge and my fortress,
my God in whom I trust:
He himself will rescue you from the bird trap,
from the destructive plague.
He will cover you with his feathers;
you will take refuge under his wings.”
Psalm 91:1-4 (CSB)
Shelter-at-home; this phrase is now very familiar to all of us. Some may be struggling under this mandate, while some introverts like me have been relishing this time at home. At no other time since childhood have I spent this much time at home. I LOVE IT! At home I can feel safe and secure. I can rest and be myself at home.
I have expanded my quiet time since I don’t have the 30-minute commute to work, and also have been reminded how much I love the home God has provided me. Two words have been brought to my attention—shelter and abide. While I’m very grateful for my home, I cannot place 100% of my trust and shelter there, for it is made of temporary materials. I am reminded that Scripture tells us that Jesus had no place to lay his head, and the Israelites were the first refugees who left their homes and wandered for 40 years in the desert.
My only true shelter can be found in Christ alone. My only true protection from the evil one is in Christ alone. The mandate to stay at home is temporary, but Scripture encourages us to continually abide or stay in the shelter of his wings. Through constant abiding comes more peace, rest, and assurance of the security and eternal home we have in Christ.
Jill McNicol is a ministry leader at First Baptist Church in Patoka.