PSALM 91

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

The words dwell and abide in the English are synonymous, but when the root words are examined, they are found to be different. Dwell is "yashab" which means sit, or stay, or have one's abode. Abide is "loon", which means tarry the night, or pass the night. Our temporary placements come from the perceptions of our permanent dwelling. Therefore, David is able to say, Lord.. is my refuge and fortress, ... in whom I trust. Trust comes from our appreciation of our permanent residence, an unwavering conviction of our belonging to and being possessed. All the other machinations of war that oppress are not fought individually, but viewed from this safe haven of permanence. We tend to get caught up fighting wars and machinations of oppression, abandoning our post of refuge. Because we have made the Lord, our refuge, says verse 9, ... no harm will come to you. All of us face battles of various kinds. Let us fight them aware of our position and permanence.