The Secret Place – April 2013
A great way of understanding the security we have in Christ is to look into the meaning of “the secret place” that we find in Psalm 91. In the first verse of this psalm, the Word of God assures us that it is our place of close, intimate fellowship with God. It is the place of communion with Him. It is a place where we can share our secrets with God, as He shares His with us. Consider it as a private place where only you and He go. It is a place where you are so close to Him that His shadow rests over you and shelters you from the storms of life. It is a place where the “Most High,” the powerful and completely awesome God of this universe, desires to dwell with you. It is your hiding place and if you desire it to be so, it will be your abiding place. Here is the first verse of the psalm:
Psalms 91:1 (NKJV)
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”
With the atoning death of Christ on the cross, dwelling in “the secret place” took on deeper meaning. Before Christ redeemed us through His death on the cross, there was a curtain or veil of partition at the entrance to the Most Holy Place in the temple at Jerusalem. Nobody was permitted past this curtain, lest they should die. The one exception was the High Priest, who entered once a year on the Day of Atonement. This veil kept the people from any personal encounters with God (except in those rare occasions of God’s choosing). When Christ died for our sins, the veil of the Most Holy Place was torn in two, destroyed. The atoning death of Christ gave all Christians the opportunity for unrestricted access to a personal relationship with God in the “secret place.” God would no longer be found in a temple made of stone, but now would dwell in the temples of our hearts. We now have access to God through Jesus in a very different way. This “secret place” is always open to the child of God who seeks a close, intimate relationship with the Lord. The invitation to enter is offered by Christ. He paid your price of admission. Your heart is the gate of this incredible, blessings-filled place. Let it open wide to the possibilities that the “secret place” holds for you.
When you read Psalm 91, you will sense the possibilities for experiencing the great, comforting nearness of God. In doing so, you can realize the power in being close to Him. As I considered this, my thoughts went to Psalm 103:1-5. It contains a short list of the incredible benefits for the child of God who is committed to dwell in that “secret place.”
Psalms 103:1-5 (NKJV)
“Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! {2} Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: {3} Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, {4} Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, {5} Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
Take the time to meditate on these benefits.
1. You will enjoy forgiveness of sin.
2. You will have the opportunity to dwell in healing and health.
3. You will enjoy divine protection from so many dangers that every believer faces.
4. As a child of the Most High, you will enjoy a crown of “lovingkindness and tender mercies.”
You will have the right to call God “Abba.” (This is a Hebrew word that a child would use with great affection to call to his or her father.) In Romans 8:15, the Scripture declared that you are His child, heir and joint heir with Christ. This promise was verified by the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:15-17 (NKJV)
“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father” {16} The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, {17} and if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.”
Think about the great nearness of God in this “secret place.” What do the feelings of being welcome in such a place bring to you? Take this a step further. Imagine not just being a welcome visitor, but invited to dwell with Him as a family member. Imagine the significance this can hold for you.
It is Not a Place to Occasionally Visit.
This opening verse of Psalm 91 does not speak of he who “visits.” To dwell is not to visit from time to time. It refers to a condition of habitual residence. To dwell is to live comfortably, securely and peacefully within a place. The Hebrew word for “dwell” is “yashab,” (Strong’s Number H3427). Paraphrased, it is defined as “to be quietly, constantly remaining in the same place – a place where rest is the distinguishing feature.” To dwell is to live in a place that brings you rest and affords the opportunity to escape the pressures of the world. This is God’s “secret place.”
It is the Dwelling Place of a Special Person.
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High…”
The Hebrew translation for “Most High” is “Elyown Elyown,” which is a divine title meaning “The Loftiest, or the One above all others.” The implication in this name is that there is nobody higher, nobody greater. The Prophet Isaiah spoke for the “Most High,” when he forthtold about dwelling with those who have contrite and humble spirits.
Isaiah 57:15 (NKJV)
“For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.””
Isaiah’s words tell us that our holy God, “the High and Lofty One,” assures us that He dwells in the “secret place” with those of us who have repentant and humble spirits. This Scripture assures us that as we spend time with the Lord in this holy place, we will experience personal revival. The distinguishing characteristics of revival are that it brings us strength, renewed hope and a zeal for God. It is clear that when we dwell in the “secret place,” we can expect to have our strength renewed and our hope revived. These are great foundations to soar like the eagle, with great zeal for the Lord.
Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)
“But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”
It is a Dwelling Place Under a Special Shadow.
“… under the shadow of the Almighty.”
A shadow is only cast upon you when you are within the boundaries that the shadow defines. You cannot make your own boundaries. You have to accept the borders and limits the shadow defines for you. From this ending portion of Psalm 91:1, we can establish two things. First, the “secret place of the Most High” is found only under His shadow. This requires the close proximity found in an intimate relationship with Him. The Scripture names Him, not only “the Most High,” but then calls Him “the Almighty.” His power cannot be contested. It cannot be disregarded or opposed. Now, isn’t that comforting, knowing you can dwell with Him in complete assurance, because there is none mightier?
Here is my paraphrase of Psalm 91:1. As you read it, consider how it speaks to your heart and what it can mean for you:
“Whoever quietly and constantly remains at rest in that hidden place of intimate relationship with God, will be comfortably at home, secure in his or her relationship with the One who is above all others, who has the power and desire to guarantee security, safety and peace.”
Meditate on the paraphrase above. Then, look to the Scriptures below. You will find that the message of the very first verse of Psalm 91 is an open door to so many additional Scriptures, each reinforcing what the Holy Spirit has said in Psalm 91.
Psalms 46:1-2, 10-11 (NKJV)
“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. {2} Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea… {10} Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! {11} The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah”
Please draw near to God in His “secret place.” Then, think about what has unfolded to your spirit from these thoughts about Psalm 91:1. Rest under His shadow and listen for His voice. He will surely speak to you of His lovingkindness and tender mercies. Perhaps you can share your thoughts with a few friends.
Dr. Bob Abramson