The word for this week is "cover"! We'll be looking at one verse in the Old Testament and one in the New Testament. Psalm 91:4:
4 He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings shall you trust: His truth shall be your shield and buckler. KJV
"Cover" here is the Hebrew word "cabak". Strong' Concordance says: to entwine as a screen, to fence in, to cover over, to protect. Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon adds: to hedge, shut in, to stop the approach. This, of course, is the promise of God's protection from the enemy! The prerequisite for this strong protection is found in verse 1:
1 HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. AMP
My own definition of the "secret place" is that place where we are aware of His presence! We can get there through prayer, praise and worship, study and meditation of His Word and fellowship with Him! Learning to spend time in His presence, where His voice becomes clearer, is one of the most important things we can do! WHEN we do that, then we can operate without fear in any and every situation because we KNOW that we are covered, sheltered and protected by HIM! The very best "Bodyguard" anyone could ask for! Now let's look at 1 Peter 4:8:
8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins. NKJV
This is the Greek word "kalupto". Strong's Concordance says: to cover up. The Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament adds: to conceal. The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament also includes: to bury. I believe that when we choose to walk in love with others, then we will NOT expose THEIR sin. We will pray for them, speak to them at the leading of the Holy Spirit, but NOT speak to others about it. I also believe that when we DO this, it is seed sown so that when WE sin, our sins are also covered! The Amplified Bible says this:
8 Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others]. AMP
By staying in His presence and walking in love, HE has got us covered! I LOVE the confidence that brings! Here is Hillsong United with "Relentless":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
