At Peace, Under His Shadow

At Peace, Under His Shadow

"You will keep them in perfect peace,

Whose mind is stayed on You,

Because they trust in You."

Isaiah 26:3

"Whoever dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

Psalms 91:1 NKJV

When our mind (conscious or subconscious) is fixated on problems, worries, etcetera, we might begin to experience the discomfort and oppressiveness of angst, worry, hopelessness, loneliness, and fear.

When the mind and heart are focusing on any of the many attributes of God, then we begin to sense that we are under his umbrella of goodness and love.

Q. How do we move from the oppressive and miserable place of worry, anxiety, fear, separation, loneliness, etcetera?

A. We begin by metaphorically approaching the refuge of His presence. To do this, we turn our thoughts, intentions, and focus from what we perceive to be wrong, and onto all that is right and good. "We enter his gates with gratitude, by giving thanks and praise; give thanks to him and praise his name" (Psalms 100:4). Set your mind and focus on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2).

What are "things above"? Whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them] (Philippians 4:8). This is the pathway to His presence. This is the road to peace, and the refuge of His presence. As we draw near to Him in this way, he draws near to us. "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you" (James 4:8).

Give thanks and be grateful, even among difficult circumstances and emotions. This is not easy when we are being bombarded with multiple responsibilities, dilemmas, thoughts and emotions. To stop focusing on these issues that demand solutions, and to become child-like, focusing on the good and acting carefree in regard to adult issues, requires faith. Faith that believes that such a simplistic and childish way of facing issues could possibly bring about lasting results and efficient solutions. But, this is the way. The path to peace, solutions, healing, and ultimately His presence, requires child-like faith. Remember, "without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (Hebrews 11:6).

What does it mean to diligently seek Him? The word diligent means “persevering attention, constant effort, persistent.” This can be considered a type of meditation; similar to the various ways King David (who wrote most of the Psalms) "meditated" and diligently pursued focusing his attention on God's goodness, despite his circumstances.

Throw away your worries. Cast your cares on Him. Turn your focus onto what has been good in your life, declare and meditate on the goodness and miracle of your next breath. Fixate on the wonderful gifts that have been given to you throughout your life. Ride on the neural pathways (thoughts) of your mind that lead into the gates, the courts, and ultimately the presence of the God of Peace. And then, let Him comfort you; rest, and watch how problems are solved and solutions are given without struggle, worry, and heaviness. This is what God has been inviting us to discover for centuries. "For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning [to Me] and resting [in Me] you shall be saved; in quietness and in [trusting] confidence shall be your strength..." (Isaiah 30:15).

"Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ. Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always. Put into practice the example of all that you have heard from me or seen in my life and the God of peace will be with you in all things."

(Philippians 4:6‭-‬9 TPT)