Dwelling In The Secret Place

DWELLING IN THE SECRET PLACE

A Message of Encouragement by Walter Thomas

Psalms 91:1

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”

We are in a time of pandemic, of consternation, fear and confusion. It is terrifying to many who feel helpless and powerless in its path. Governments, scientists, politicians, the military, private businesses and countless individuals are trying to find answers, find cures and find direction during this pandemic situation in which we find ourselves. The coronavirus, Covid 19, is a stealthy and silent killer, an infectious disease that can be carried by persons who have no symptoms and sweep across the world and across a nation like a wind blowing across a wheat field, leaving death and fear in its wake. It is not unlike the “plagues and pestilences” described in the Bible. But the Bible says there is a safe place, a hiding place, a secret place where the Righteous can run to and be safe.

How does a person dwell in the secret place of the Most High God? WHAT IS THAT SECRET PLACE? What is it like? Wouldn’t you like to know of a hiding place where you will be safe, be protected, be loved and be blessed? When you feel afraid, helpless, confused, powerless and alone, would you not like to have a go-to place for guaranteed security and healing, for protection and care?

There is just such a place and it is for you in these troubling times of virus, pandemic and tribulation. WHAT IS THAT SECRET PLACE? Psalms 91 tells us all about it. Let’s study it to learn about this amazing destination for the righteous.

Key verses: Psalms 91:1-2

1. He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will dwell in the shadow of the Almighty,

2. “I will say to the LORD, “You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”…

Let’s unpack this second truth claim in verse 2, because it defines the former claim in verse 1, that he who dwells in the secret place will be under the shadow of the Most High. That secret place is four things: a refuge, fortress, relationship and trust.

1. You are my REFUGE. Declaring to God that He is my safe place, my secret hiding place. I feel safest when I’m in your presence and you are with me. (Earthquake in CA and we three little children ran to my parent’s bedroom and crawled up in bed between them- we felt safe!). (This week a family emerged from their tornado shelter –safe place-- in MS completely safe even though their house was destroyed.)

2. You are my FORTRESS. Declaring to God that He will protect me, that He is my “strong tower”, my stronghold. This is identifying God’s military power and authority. Not only will He keep me safe with Him, but He will defend me against the Enemy’s attacks, pestilence. He is the Lord of Hosts/Angels. He will fight my battles.

3. You are MY GOD. Our safe-place is in our personal relationship with YHWH. Declaring to God that He is yours, and you are His. This is recognizing the covenant relationship and your intent to keep your side of the covenant agreements. My mind and heart are alays focused on YHWH. You are the Creator and I’m the created. Intimate relationship of dependence and submission.

4. You are MY TRUST. Declaring to God that I will intentionally place all my marbles in His basket, I’m at His disposal and purpose. I will surrender to His will completely, declaring, “I depend upon You and You alone.” God will extend his "shadow" over the man who places himself under His sovereign protection and Lordship.

Psalms 91 explains itself. Let’s look at how David, the writer, develops the four points of the secret place in verses 3-16. I’ve identified the four sections in the text below.

1. “He who dwells in the shelter (Secret Place, hiding Place) of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty (El Shaddai, the Lord of Hosts)

2. I will say to the LORD, “You are my refuge and my fortress (My Defender), my God, in whom I trust.”

( I. Secret Place -What does refuge look like?) When I Am Afraid and helpless

3. Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly plague. (Infectious diseases, the silent enemy)

4. He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart.

5. You will not fear the terror of the night, Nor the arrow that flies by day,

6. nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the calamity that destroys at noon.