He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the almighty. (Psalm 91:1)
Life is uncertain as we watch the world spin out of control. But Jesus said, “I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:26-34 NIV).
Like this picture of a child holding a Bible, God wants us to be like a child who is inquisitive and always searching and asking questions. In all the uncertainties of life, there is one place where we can find answers and receive comfort and security—the secret place.
Psalm 91 is a beautiful psalm that I have read many times; However, recently the words dwell, secret place, abide, shadow and Most High seemed to leap off the page to invite further study. Though I understood where to find the secret place, I wanted to research these highlighted words for a deeper meaning of what God is conveying. So, let us begin with the word dwell.
The Hebrew word for dwell is “yashhab,” which is to sit down, inhabit, and remain. The English definition is to reside, stay, and have a home. God extends the invitation to inhabit (live in) His presence where there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).
No matter the circumstances, God is always available and ready and willing to listen. No sin, disagreement with God, anger, or lack of understanding should prevent anyone from seeking His presence in the secret place. There is nothing that we cannot discuss with Him, for He invites us to come and reason together (Isaiah 1:18). He wants to be the place where we find safety to ask difficult questions, share feelings, concerns, fears, hopes, joys, gratitude and even express anger, disappointment, or frustration.
Jesus taught the importance of seeking God, when He came to the small town of Bethany, just two miles from Jerusalem. It was there that Martha invited Him to share a meal with her sister, Mary, and their brother, Lazarus. As Martha was busily preparing the meal, Mary sat at the feet of Jesus soaking in every word that He spoke. “But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore, tell her to help me.’ But Jesus answered and said, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part (My Word), which will not be taken away from her’” (Luke 10:40-42 NKJV).
The fact that Jesus said, “Martha, Martha” reveals His tender compassion towards her as He gently explained the importance of abiding with Him in the secret place. Yes, preparing a meal for the body is important. But Jesus was lovingly communicating to Martha that the greater importance is feeding the spirit and soul with His Word. For it is in that secret place of communing with the Lord that we are spiritually protected, nourished, and empowered through His Word to move in a faith that overcomes life’s obstacles.
So, what is the secret place? In the Old Testament, the term “secret place” comes from the Hebrew root word cether, which means “to hide or be concealed.” Several references are made in the Bible regarding the “secret place.” Other references are shelter, covering, or dwelling. David said in Psalm 32:7 that God was his hiding place where He could dwell in comfort and protection. Throughout Psalms, David reveals the numerous times he found shelter when fellowshipping with God in the secret place.
God’s title, Most High, levels every threat and reveals God as Creator and the supreme power over the world and the universe. His title is a reminder that He is more than capable of accomplishing all His promises and all that He plans, because there is no force that can stop Him.
Now we come to the word abide. In the context of what is being said, the word means to stay and to hold on. No other place can we find comfort, rest, and safety then to abide (stay) in the presence of the Lord. Because those who abide with Him will come to know Him more deeply and intimately as they rest and find shelter “under the shadow of the Almighty.”
Shadow refers to “a hiding place, covering, or protection. As we dwell under the shadow of the Almighty we live under His promises and protection. For it is in God’s presence that we find security, guidance, protection, and care.
Who could imagine that one sentence could carry such significant information about the goodness of God and what He wants for us. Therefore, we can be encouraged and confident in these troubling times, that God is available at any time of the day or night and that He is always with us. Therefore, we are to “Be strong! Be courageous! Do not be afraid of them! For the Lord your God will be with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6 TLB).
The question might be, “How do we stay in that secret place under the shadow of the Almighty?” We do it through prayer (conversation with God), reading His Word, listening for His still small voice to speak into our spirit and by conversing with Him as though He is physically present. Daily, we are invited to the secret place where we can rest the mind, body, and soul and give all cares and concerns to Him.
Again, let us read: He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1)
Now, with a deeper understanding of the message of Psalm 91:1, read the following:
Those who live and reside in the presence of God, the Creator, will find rest and support as they take hold of His promises and protection.
PRAYER: FATHER, remind me each day that You are patiently waiting for me to come to the safety of the dwelling place of Your presence. There, despite life’s storms that daily challenge and at times wear me down, You are ready to strengthen and commune with me. For it is in that intimate time with You and Your Word, that fear and worry are vanquished. And I find strength, comfort, peace, direction, and shelter from the storm of adversity (Isaiah 41:10). In Jesus’ name, amen