In what ways can we experience God's "shelter" in our lives today? Shelter Promised in Revelation 7:15 “For this reason, they are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and the One seated on the throne will shelter them with His presence.” What “Shelter” Means - The Greek verb skēnoō (“to tabernacle, pitch a tent”) pictures God personally spreading His dwelling over His people, much like the glory cloud covered Israel’s camp (Exodus 40:34–38). - It is both protection and intimate fellowship: God keeps harm at bay and brings His people close. Ways We Experience God’s Shelter Today • In Christ’s Finished Work – Colossians 3:3 “you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” – John 10:28–29 “No one will snatch them out of My hand.” – Because we are “hidden,” every accusation, fear, or condemnation meets the nail-scarred hands first. • Through the Indwelling Spirit – John 14:16–17 “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever.” – Romans 8:15–16 says the Spirit testifies we are God’s children; that assurance is a daily refuge against doubt. • By the Promises of Scripture – Psalm 91:1–2 “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” – Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You.” – Every promise is a covering; memorizing and declaring them draws the shelter over our minds. • In Prayerful Communion – Philippians 4:6–7 “the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Prayer lifts life’s stresses into God’s throne room, where His presence steadies and guards us. • Through the Fellowship of Believers – Hebrews 10:24–25 urges meeting together; Acts 4:23–31 shows collective prayer bringing boldness and comfort. – God often extends His sheltering presence through the words, prayers, and practical support of His people. • By Obedient Living – Psalm 119:114 “You are my hiding place and my shield; I put my hope in Your word.” – Walking in the light (1 John 1:7) keeps us under the canopy of blessing, sparing us the self-inflicted wounds of disobedience. • Amid Trials and Suffering – 1 Peter 1:5 “who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation...” – 2 Thessalonians 3:3 “The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” – Difficult seasons become living proofs that Revelation 7:15 is already true in part and will be fully realized. Living Under His Covering - Set your heart daily on the throne where Christ shelters you. - Speak His promises aloud when fear or temptation creeps in. - Stay closely knit to a local body of believers. - Keep short accounts with God; unconfessed sin can dull the sense of His nearness. - Remember: the final fulfillment—face-to-face sheltering before His throne—is guaranteed (Revelation 21:3). Until then, every moment spent abiding in Him lets that future reality break into the present. |