It’s a privilege for us to dwell in the shelter of the Most High. A gift, he has given us.
As Beth Moore is so fond of saying, there ain’t no ‘high’ like the Most High!
He is the Maker, Creator, Master, and Friend. Almighty Father Protector and Guide. For us to be allowed take refuge with Him, well, wow!
I’ve spent a good bit of time on Psalm 90-91 lately (a prayer of Moses), with this post in mind. Psalm 90 talks about the Most High God, and His power and eternal nature. A plea to see God’s work, be seen, and be granted favor.
Psalm 91 is all the richness of the privilege and gift this is.
And then we’ll see this lovely concept in Psalm 91 brought to life, with the Cities of Refuge series below. Now there’s some awesome Biblical fiction!
Please note that this post contains affiliate links for your convenience. If you make a purchase through one of the links, I may make a small commission. I only recommend books and resources that I’ve enjoyed personally, or believe that you would like. You can read my full disclosure here. You will also find information on Scripture translations there.
So What Does It Mean to Dwell in the Shelter of the Most High?
Let’s start with the Scriptures, and then we can unpack some treasure!
Psalm 91 1-5 NASB
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!”
3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper
And from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with His pinions,
And under His wings you may seek refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
5 You will not be afraid of the terror by night,
Or of the arrow that flies by day;
When we: Dwell, Abide, (sit, stay, rest and remain with Him) & Trust (that He is capable, AND caring)
HE: Delivers, Covers, and is our Refuge.
His Faithfulness is our shield! I don’t know about you, but I’m awfully grateful its not dependent on MY faithfulness!
How Do We Dwell in the Shelter of The Most High?
Dwelling, physically is where you live and spend your time. I ‘dwell’ with my husband and sons, and sometimes my parents ‘dwell’ with us. We share space, time, interests, struggles, etc. We share our faith in God, and we try to take care of each other. It’s imperfect, but it’s beautiful.
So, how do we transform our thoughts on this?
Invite Him In! Remain with Him. Keep drawing nearer. Keep up a running conversation with him, kind of like that running text thread with your best friend. That funny thing that happened, look up and laugh with him. That car cut you off? talk to him about it…
But why would we choose to go to all that effort to dwell with Him, unless we first trust Him? And how can we trust Him unless we get to know Who He Is?
So first, pick up a short devotional or Bible study, and start spending time with Him on a regular basis.
Second, learn about the benefits of pruning in the Bible, and prune a few things out of your life, so there’s room for Him.
I’m still learning how to do this, and understanding God’s grace has helped tremendously!
One really neat way to spend more time dwelling with Jesus is to pick a theme to study. I found this subscription box that looks pretty cool: The Delilah Box. It promises 2-3 books each month, studying a woman of the Bible. It might be Biblical Fiction or a Bible study, or both, plus a few extra items just because.
He Who Dwells in the Shelter of The Most High Will Abide in the Shadow of the Almighty
To rest in the shadow of his wings? Anyone who resides in the protective shadow of the Almighty has found safety. It may not be temporal safety, in the here and now, but, in the long run? God will rescue those who love him and draw near.
Reaping the rewards. God Himself is our reward. If we seek him, we’ll find him, if we seek him with all of our hearts (Jer. 29.13 paraphrased).
So she or as the Psalm says, he who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, (making our home base as close to him as possible) will abide or remain in His shelter and protection. That’s exactly where I want to be, how about you?
It will probably mean letting go of some things. Making different choices with our time and attention. But to have that kind of shield and refuge?
Totally worth it!!
May I Dwell in the Shelter of the Most High?
When Shelter of the Most High was offered by Celebrate Lit, I was so excited, as you know how much I love Biblical Fiction. I believe that we can learn a lot from historical fiction and yes, Biblical fiction is part of that category.
Learning about the culture opens our understanding of what was happening, and putting ourselves into the daily lives of someone helps us think beyond our own personal point of view. It helps us to envision ourselves in their place.
About Shelter of the Most High
Book: Shelter of the Most High
Author: Connilyn Cossette
Genre: Christian Biblical Fiction
Release Date: October, 2018
The daughter of a pagan high priest, Sofea finds solace from her troubles in the freedom of the ocean. But when marauders attack her village on the island of Sicily, she and her cousin are taken across the sea to the shores of Canaan.
Eitan has lived in Kedesh, a city of refuge, for the last eleven years, haunted by a tragedy in his childhood, yet chafing at the boundaries placed on him. He is immediately captivated by Sofea, but revealing his most guarded secret could mean drawing her into the danger of his past.
As threats from outside the walls loom and traitors are uncovered within, Sofea and Eitan are plunged into the midst of a murder plot. Can they uncover the betrayal in time to save their lives and the lives of those they love?
Click here to purchase your copy!
My Review
This book starts out with action and adrenaline from chapter one. It’s one of those books that draw you in right away.
In today’s world it is hard to imagine finding yourself alone in a foreign land with no translator. Having to learn a new language, culture, and way of life that is completely different than you’d ever experienced. But that’s exactly what Sofea and Prezi experience. Ripped from the (relative?) safety of home, they will both learn what it means to trust in God and live protected by him.
As far as plot elements are concerned, you have action, mystery, drama, betrayal, revenge, compassion, and adoption, all written well. I connected with Sofea because she never leaves you wondering. Even with the language barrier, you know where she stands. And I greatly admired her courage!
However, I saw more of myself in Prezi, retreating inside herself, observing more than getting involved… Both girls have a lot going on (as does Eitan!), and each one grows to know this City of Refuge as a real home, far more than where they came from ever was.
Cities of Refuge
The concept and purpose of these cities Joshua ordered (Joshua 20), as explained in this book, helped me understand on a more practical level. Involuntary manslaughter (an accident) is not comparable to murder, but it still needs to have consequences, otherwise, people will just get more careless.
Shelter of the Most High is book 2 in the Cities of Refuge series. It is not necessary to read book 1 to have a full grasp on book 2, and it doesn’t interfere with the enjoyment factor. That said, reading book 2 made me very curious and excited. So I bought book 1, Light on a Hill, and won book 3, Until the Mountains Fall.
Light on a Hill (1)
Let me say, the battle of Justice vs Mercy is tough. It is heartbreaking when it wages within the same person. Witnessing Darek’s incredible struggle with this journey of seeking Justice, but with an equal desire for Mercy was amazing. And Costly. And reminded me of Abraham taking Isaac to Mt Moriah, and our Savior’s journey from the Garden to Golgotha and beyond.
And Moriyah, well, I felt for her in so many ways. I can’t begin to describe the feelings in this book. Too many spoilers if I’d tried. Reading book two first didn’t dent my enjoyment in the slightest, so while it’s best to read this story in order, it’s not entirely necessary.
Until the Mountains Fall (3)
Book 3 is a beautiful progression to the story. The sadness and struggle of the faithful against the unfaithfulness of the greater story of this time between Joshua and Judges was powerful. And the way this story retells the Patient Father/Prodigal parable is amazing!
Rivkah felt like no one heard her. Or understood who she really was. Which caused her to make some choices and be backed into a corner. Nessa didn’t think her father cared at all. Except maybe about money. Estebaal was a nice addition to the story. He’s probably my favorite of the supporting characters.
Until Next Time
How will you draw closer to Him today? He will cover you with his feathers, high upon a rock if you let him!
Until Next Time, Love God, Love Books, Shine The Light!!
