There was a post on Facebook recently asking people how many places they had lived. I knew I had lived in a lot of places, but when I started counting them up from my childhood, I was surprised to find they numbered 30. At almost 75 years old, that means I have moved every 2.5 years to a new residence.

Maybe that is why those first verses in Psalm 91 mean so much to me.

“The one who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” [vss1-2 HCSB]

Look at that wonderful word, “dwells.” It means “to take up a permanent residence in.”

We have a place of refuge that is permanent. We have a fortress that we never have to leave. It is found in the best place ever.

It is in the shadow of the ALMIGHTY, (SHADDAI), the all-sufficient God who is more than adequate for every situation, trial, and circumstance.

When I am in that place, I am under the protection of the MOST HIGH, (ELYON), the name found first in Genesis 14:18-20. He is higher than the kings of the earth and the false gods of the nations.

While in this place my refuge/fortress is my LORD (JEHOVAH, YAHWEH), the covenant-making God who is faithful to His promises.

I can trust completely in my GOD (ELOHIM), the powerful God whose greatness and glory surpass anything we can imagine.

I may have lived in 30 places here on earth, but my permanent dwelling is in my relationship and fellowship in Christ Jesus where I am invited into the very Holy of Holies to live a life of worship and communion, obedience, service, and love.