I came across a cool verse today that was what I needed as I await to get my biopsy. “When you abide under the shadow of Shaddai (means God of heaven), you are hidden in the strength of God Most High.” (Psalms 91:1) The Message paraphrase says, “you who sit down in the High God’s presence, spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow”. I often like to look at the verse in different translations. NLT says, “Those who live in the shelter of the mOst High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty”.

I think we can live outside of His shelter/His shade. We can run out ahead of what He has for us. We can lag behind. Walking in pace with the Spirit is different. I’ve felt it- when I am in the flow vs. when I’m in the funk.

The flow takes intentionality.

The flow takes pursuit.

The flow takes an inclined, listening heart/ear

The flow is NEVER rushed.

The flow feels like a quiet stroll through a garden.

Being in the flow is eyes wide open for delight and gifts mourned me. Not eyes wide open in fear or caffieine induced rush. It feels like walking through the trees observing the Spanish moss hanging from the trees while on a break during a conference in Florida. It is a walk at the community park without my phone, listening to the trees/leaves blow and smelling the dew coming upon the evening grass. It is toes in the grass, pruning my roses. It is entering a grocery store with heart ready to encourage whomever God had for me. It is quiet mornings at my kitchen table before anyone is awake.

Sitting and enjoying his comforting shade is always available to me. His presence or I should say the feeling of HIs presence is a gift waiting to be opened.

Come sit and rest.

Breathe deep in my shade.

Look up into My boughs and enjoy my gifts.

Makes me think of The Giving Tree book. The Lord is like a mighty oak sheltering me, shading me and providing for me.

The different translations show a pursuit/a choosing to receive the gift of his presence:

• when you abide under the shadow of Shaddai
• you who sit down in the High God’s presence
• Those who live in the shelter of the Most High

May I be someone who abides in this safe place. May I sit in His presence. May I live more fully in His shelter.