“They who dwell in the shelter of the most high,
who live in the light of the Almighty,
will say to the Lord,
‘My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.’”
Psalm 91:1-2
Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:
- This passage from the Psalm sometimes titled “Assurance of God’s Protection” or “God is With You,” has been beloved for centuries because of its reminder that God (Higher Power, Divine Spirit, Supreme Being, etc.) is the only true power, in the Universe and in your life.
- The Psalmist speaks to remind themselves—and you—that God is the shelter of peace and security. This can assuage any fears or worries, assuring you that you’re one of God’s divine beloveds. When you recognize that God is immanent and transcendent, within you and with you, everywhere present, all the time, you can be at peace.
- Peace is an element of Advent, the contemplative season that prepares you for Christmas. But even if Advent isn’t part of your spiritual practice, you can still feel your oneness with God, the peace that passes all understanding, as the Psalmist does.
- Herman Wolhorn, minister of the Church of the Healing Christ in New York City in the 1970s, encourages you to recognize that God within you is stronger than any difficulty. He shares this affirmation: “I do not allow anything in my mind to hinder or frustrate the action of God. . . . I realize that in Divine Mind, [in God], there is no place for fear. God being with me [and within me], nothing can be against me . . . [so] I am filled with peace.”
- Peace, safety, security, and assurance aren’t found in other people, places, or things.Neither are they data-driven, so you won’t find them by studying analytics, scrolling feeds, or reading many books. Likewise, perseverating, continually ruminating about a situation, just creates anxiety.
- In addition, difficulties are rarely solved at the level at which they occurred. You must alter your perspective by shifting your consciousness (mindset). For example, you could literally make yourself sick wondering why you made a particular choice that didn’t work. Or you could acknowledge the difficulty and direct your energy to choose differently now. Peace comes in knowing that you did your best at the time, and now you’re wiser.
- Demonstration is your evidence of how well your life works. With the mindset of the Psalmist, you aren’t focused on what’s “wrong.” You’re focused on God and God’s essence within you, the same essence that Jesus and other ancient spiritual masters expressed. You rely on yourself and your own strength, wisdom, and intuition. As you stay grounded in the present moment, you direct your energy toward best action and outcome.
Contemplation Questions:
As you reflect on your life and circumstances, ask yourself:
- What, if any, difficulties am I facing now?
- List, word map, or illustrate whatever applies.
- When I turn away from the difficulties and toward God, what do I notice?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as you can.
- What are at least three (3) ways I can realize more peace in my life?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as you imagine.
Use this devotional anytime you want to foster inner peace. Remember that as you focus on God, you’re recognizing a bigger picture, seeing yourself as part of a vast, wondrous Universe that always works to support your best. So, avoid the Negative Nellies who continually affirm that life is awful. Commit to your spiritual practice, affirm that you are one with God—infinitely compassionate, unconditionally loving—and trust your intuition to guide your way.
© 2024 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.
Photo from Shutterstock by Angela Kotsell.
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