What Does Psalm 91:1 Mean?
Psalm 91:1
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”
QUICK ANSWER
The writer describes a person who dwells in the presence of God (the most High) as living under His protection. When you are close enough to God that you live in his shadow, you will find refuge.
CONTEXT
Psalms 91 is written as a poetic reflection describing the safety of a person who lives in close relationship with God. The psalm alternates between statements about God’s protection and direct assurances for someone who puts their trust in Him. It uses symbollic imagery such as shelter, refuge, and protection from danger to describe this relationship. Near the end, it shifts to God speaking and giving promises to those who call on Him. The entire psalm focuses on the contrast between surrounding dangers and the security found in God’s presence.
BASIC BREAKDOWN
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High,
This speaks of staying close to God in a personal and continual way, not just occasionally.
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”
Those who remain near to God are protected and covered by His power and care.
APPLICATION
Stay close to God on a daily basis through prayer and reading His Word. Do not just turn to Him in difficult times, but make Him a constant part of your life. As you remain near to Him, you will experience His peace, protection, and guidance.
RELATED VERSES
Psalm 27:5 - “For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.”
Proverbs 18:10 - “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.”
Psalm 32:7 - “Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.”
Colossians 3:3 - “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”
John 15:4 - “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.”
