Shelter in the Most High

When troubles pile up and you reach the end of your rope, who do you turn to? Often we try to handle problems alone before turning to the Lord. In this Sunday message from October 25, 2026, Pastor Linda Reese taught on finding genuine rest and protection in the shelter of the Almighty.

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91:1 (KJV)

Rest in the secret place

Pastor Linda asked the room who they run to when they hit rock bottom. Too often people wait until panic sets in before calling on the Lord. Finding quiet in daily life can be difficult. Pastor Linda shared how she once hid in the bathroom for peace, only to see her dog and cat slide their paws under the door. Worldly places offer little rest, but God welcomes us into His presence. As Pastor Linda noted, “The shelter is a place of rest in God.”

She compared God’s care to a mother hen spreading her wings wide over her chicks during a storm. In the same way, the Lord holds His children tight beneath His wings and will not let go unless we pull away. Worry is simply a habit formed through practice, but we can intentionally practice trusting God instead. Living as “now” people means listening to God today rather than dreading tomorrow.

Words, thoughts and contentment

Our words reveal what fills our hearts. That is why Jesus said, “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34). Pastor Linda encouraged the church to love the life God has given them instead of complaining. As she put it, “If you dislike something, change it if you can.” When an assistant supervisor repeatedly called her “Diane” instead of Linda, she took a stand and asked God to make a way. Before long, God resolved the situation by transferring the man to Chambersburg.

Contentment breaks the grip of materialism. Pastor Linda noticed a handsome Cadillac outside, but said she was grateful to drive her Equinox with no car payments. Being satisfied with what we have trusts God’s promise never to leave us. She asked what song matched each person’s attitude that morning, whether it was “Make the World Go Away,” “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” or “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’.”

Abiding in the true vine

Walking with God requires mutual humility between older and younger generations. Pride causes division, but God extends grace to the humble. To bear spiritual fruit, we must remain rooted in Jesus every day. As Christ said, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). Pastor Linda recalled her grandmother’s garden, noting that a grape severed from the vine quickly dries into a raisin without the branch.

In Christ, we are new creations whose past mistakes no longer define us. Instead of carrying old regrets, we can move forward knowing God has a good purpose for our lives.

Trusting God through trials

Even in deep trials, believers can trust God to work all things for good. The Apostle Paul wrote, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Pastor Linda recalled lying in a hospital bed at Johns Hopkins in 1984 with bandaged eyes, wondering if she would ever play the piano or see autumn leaves again. Yet when a nurse borrowed her Bible to comfort a hurting couple, God showed that He was at work even in affliction.

Negative thoughts create strongholds, but divine truth tears them down. Pastor Linda reminded the church that “Truth always defeat lies.” When Israel sent spies into Canaan, ten saw giants and grasshoppers, while two trusted God for victory. We conquer fear when we trust the Lord with our whole heart. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). Choosing to rejoice each day brings peace that guards our thoughts.

Think of a worry or complaint that has been on your mind lately. This week, take that burden to the Lord in prayer and leave it under His wings. Practice speaking words of thankfulness instead of grumbling, and trust that God is caring for you today.

Is there a burden you need to bring to the Lord? Send a prayer request. We’ll pray with you.

Related messages: Safety in God's Presence, The Words of My Mouth, A Steadfast Heart.