“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide (remain stable and fixed) under the shadow of the Almighty (Whose power no foe can withstand).”
Yes, we are still on verse 1. :) But “mining” takes time if you’re going to find each nugget of truth so….no hurry.
Here’s a quick recap of Part 4 using a quote from Gloria Copeland: “The Hebrew word translated dwelleth means to lodge somewhere. It refers to a place where you live, remain and stay. When you’re dwelling in God’s secret place and abiding in His shadow, you don’t come and go in your relationship with Him…You’re in fellowship with the Lord and endeavoring to obey Him every day. You’re living in all the light you have and always seeking more light. I’m not saying you have to be perfect, of course. None of us is perfect. But as an abider, when you do stumble, you quickly repent and get things right again.”
Dwelling points to a “place”. But that’s a no brainer. There’s got to be a place if we’re going to dwell and this verse tells us the place. It’s called “the secret place of the Most High”.
Before we can get to “the secret place” we have to cover that little, yet powerful, 2 letter word “in”. It doesn’t say, on the secret place, or around the secret place, or over the secret place. It says IN the secret place. IN means to be submerged. There’s an interior part of something that by using the word IN gives us access to. It carries the idea of penetrating and being inclusive.
Through Him (Jesus) we have ACCESS (our entrance) by faith into this grace in which we firmly and safely stand. Romans 5:2
Faith gives us access into grace–God’s favor and protection. We are submerged and inserted and included in HIM (Jesus) and we are safe! The name of the Lord (Jesus, the Name above every name) is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe, high above evil and strong. (Proverbs 18:10)
Years ago we took our kids to the Natural Bridge Caverns in Virginia. The experience was a bit intimidating yet exhilarating as we traveled deeper and deeper into the cavern, penetrating it, exploring it’s walls and bat inhabited ceilings, examining the amazing stalagmite and stalactite formations until we were fully submerged within its walls, surrounded completely by its beauty. If we had just stayed on the outside peering into the darkness of the cavern, we would have missed out on an amazing experience. We had to take a step of faith, overcoming the fear of the darkness and the unknown, in order to enjoy the benefits of the cavern (bats excluded).
We have been given access to penetrate, be submerged and become completely engulfed in a very special place of God…the secret place of the Most High. Why stand on the outside when we have an invitation to enter and explore?
Secret Place means—shelter, protection, covering, hiding place, secrecy—defense.
These words provide the main theme of this Psalm. God is talking about protection. He is telling us where to dwell…that there is a place where we can be hidden and covered, sheltered and defended…and safe…a secret hiding place.
Remember playing “hide and seek”? I loved the thrill of finding a good spot–you know, like high up in a tree covered by branches where you could actually watch the one who was “it” walk all around searching for you, passing by you over and over, but not able to see you. If He couldn’t see you, he couldn’t get you.
For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; in the secret place of His tent will He hide me; He will set me high upon a rock. Now my head is lifted up above my enemies round about. Psalm 27:5
God’s hiding place for us is in His presence so the secret place carries with it the idea of “closeness and intimacy”.
“You hide them in the secret place of your presence from those who scheme against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues.” Psalm 31:20 The word “presence” in this verse literally means “before the face of”. The secret place of the Most High brings us right in the face of God…up close and personal.
God’s got the best hiding spot ever where no one–no thing can find you because you are completely covered by Himself! It’s a good place to live. It’s a safe place to be.
To be continued…until then…peace to you and your family.
