Psalm 27:5-6
In his shelter in the day of trouble, that’s where you’ll find me,
for he hides me there in his holiness.
He has smuggled me into his secret place,
where I’m kept safe and secure—
out of reach from all my enemies.
Triumphant now, I’ll bring him my offerings of praise,
singing and shouting with ecstatic joy!
Yes, listen and you can hear
the fanfare of my shouts of praise to the Lord!
My husband, John, and I did some hiking with our family on the Appalachian Trail during our vacation to the Smokey Mountain National Park last month. Approximately three-quarters of the way up from Newfound Gap toward Charlie’s Bunion (planned destination) I noticed a sign directing hikers to a “shelter.” I was curious, so I left the Trail and checked it out. This shelter is a bit hidden off from the main Trail; a small roofed yet primitive three walled structure with a canvas curtain that becomes its fourth wall. The purpose of the shelter is to provide a place for male and female hikers to spend the night out of the extreme elements, as well as protect them from bears or other animals looking for food. Now, honestly, I am not sure how that canvas curtain is going to stop any curious or hungry bears looking for food (or scavenging rats/mice for that matter), but nonetheless that is the “shelter.” As I studied the shelter, I asked myself, “Would I feel safe and secure staying here?”
In our passage today, David speaks about a shelter, but it is not a primitive physical structure. He is talking about the presence of the Lord who has become his Shelter of love and care. David is overcome with praise and filled with joy by how the Lord shelters him in His glorious presence. We, too, can know true holiness, safety, and security as we stay in the presence of our Shelter. Truly, in the Shelter of my Almighty Savior, I do feel safe, secure, and never hesitate to stay there!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for sheltering me in your presence. I need you to keep me and my loved ones safe and secure! I am filled with joy because I know you alone are faithful. Be glorified in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.