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Rest in the Shadow of the Almighty

shade-tree-summer

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

When I was a little boy, air conditioning was a luxury. Most of the schools didn’t have it and many of our houses were without it. Still it seems like we spent more time outdoors then than we do now. In the summer, we would go to my grandparents quite often. When the time came for homemade ice cream, everyone would gather around, bowls in hand, and head for their favorite shade tree. No matter how hot it was, with ice cream in hand and a shade tree above, the weather was always just right.

That is what I think of when I think of the “shadow of the Almighty”.

Resting within the protection of God’s glory, I find peace from the burdens of the world.

No, my problems don’t always disappear, but the journey is made easier. The valleys aren’t as deep, and the mountain tops seem to last longer and come more often.

Dwelling within God’s shelter means that I trust Him even when the odds makers say I shouldn’t. It means that I choose Him over the achievements I can make on my own. It means that my life is not my own. I am bought with a price, the shed blood of Jesus, and that my home is in Heaven, where awaits for me an eternal blessing, which far outweighs the problems of this world.

My grandparents tree is no longer standing. I have air conditioning now everywhere I go. We seldom make homemade ice cream. In fact, at family gatherings now we rarely go outside. As I reflect on the good memories about that shade tree, however, I realize that the best shade I will ever experience is within the “shadow of the Almighty”.

Why don’t you rest in His shade with me for a while?

Like maybe for an eternity!

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Ron Edmondson

Author Ron Edmondson

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Join the discussion 8 Comments

  • Jennifer McBroom says:

    This post hit me square in the face when I received it in my email yesterday. (God must have to do that so I will listen :)) I just returned from a retreat late Sunday evening. Sunday morning at the retreat, one of the women came over to me during a prayer circle time and started praying for me to learn to relax – she felt led that this is what I needed prayer for. Then, I had this post waiting for me in my email at work Monday morning. I've never heard God speak to me so loudly as I did yesterday morning. Just wanted to let you know how God used you 🙂

  • Frank says:

    Good word, Ron. Thx. for this!

  • Planting Potatoes says:

    I can almost taste the ice cream…..so much sweeter when we rest in the shadows! God bless!

  • Tom Caton says:

    Ron just made some home made ice cream for a grandsons birthday. Sure was good. Everyone enjoyed it. Like resting in the shadow of the almighty. I enjoy your articles. Thanks for sharing them.