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.
(II. Secret Place – What does protection look like?) When the battle rages.
7. Though a thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, no harm will come near you.
8. You will only see it with your eyes and witness the punishment of the wicked.
9. Because you have made the LORD your dwelling—my refuge, the Most High—
10. No evil will befall you, no plague (infectious diseases) will approach your tent.
11. For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. (Angelic Warriors)
12. They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13. You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent.
(III. Secret Place – What does relationship look like?) When I am His and He is mine.
(God makesCovenant Promises)
14. (YHWH says,) “Because he (the Righeous) loves Me, I will deliver him; (no other Gods) because he knows My name, I will protect him. (Under His authority – Umbrella)
(IV. Secret Place – What does trust look like?) When I trust His promises enough to obey his commands.
15. “When he (the Righteous) calls out to Me, (cry out to your Father) I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.
16. With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.”
(Note(Parenthesis and underlines added by me)
MY WORDS OF HOPE AND ASSURANCE IN TIMES OF FEAR AND HELPLESSNESS let me summarize what we have learned today:
1. YHWH is aware of you, of your troubles and fears
2. YHWH cares for you because you are His child
3. YHWH is your Refuge in the time of trouble
4. YWWH is your protector and your defender
5. YHWH is your God and you are His people; He is your Abba and you are His child
6. Call out to YHWH in your times of trouble, trust YHWH to protect you according to His promises
Let me summarize it all in one sentence. I think what is meant by this secret place described in Psalm 91 is this:
"Loving faith on your part shall be met by
faithful love on God's part" (Kay)
Personal Note: I have chosen to not be afraid of CV-19 because of this Psalm and so many other promises God gives to the Righteous who “fear” Him. I will be cautious, prudent and law-abiding in respect to regulations regarding this pandemic and public health. However, I also choose to live in the “secret place” with my mind and heart continually focused on YHWH and His Kingdom on earth, and my position and responsibilities in His Kingdom. My hope and my future is in the hands of the Lord, more than in the hands of medicine, science or the government. If God wishes for my life to end during this pandemic, then may His will be done on earth it is in heaven. My security, and fate, is in His hands and in His hands alone!
Corroborating promises:
Prov. 28:10 “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”
Isaiah 26:3-4 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
