Thursday, August 27, 2009

Protection and Provision in Hard Times...


THE SECRET PLACE OF THE MOST HIGH

In these uncertain times, I am sure that many of you may feel hopeless. As jobs disappear, homes are lost, families are torn apart, swine flu threatens, and the world schemes in hostility over how to "fix" our problems - life seems to be out of control. Where can you turn to for help? Where does your hope come from?

Psalm 91:1 -
"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

I love Psalm 91! I think it contains a powerful word that is especially comforting during these hard times. In fact, some of my favorite "key" words from Psalm 91 are...


DWELLETH *** SECRET PLACE *** MOST HIGH *** SHADOW *** ALMIGHTY *** TRUST *** DELIVER *** TRUTH *** SHALT NOT BE AFRAID *** BECAUSE *** REFUGE *** HABITATION *** NO EVIL *** NO PLAGUE *** ANGELS *** TRAMPLE UNDER FOOT *** KNOWN MY NAME *** HONOUR *** LONG LIFE *** SALVATION


These powerful "key" words really speak to my soul. I am drawn to press in, to search for God's deepest thoughts, as I hold this passage up against the very "real" struggles in life that seem to be so overwhelming, at times. Without supernatural intervention, certain life trials are sure to cause even the most optimistic of minds to fail.

So, as I pondered the first verse of Psalm 91 which says, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty"... I found myself asking, "just where is the 'secret place'?"

Psalm 91:14 -
"Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name."

As I reflect on the lives of so many of the patriarchs mentioned in scripture, I notice they all have several things in common:

· the ability to HEAR GOD'S VOICE
· the FAITH TO TRUST IN GOD'S WORD
· the BOLDNESS TO ACT ACCORDING TO GOD'S INSTRUCTION.

These men and women of God "set their love upon Him". They knew God intimately because they spent each and every breathing moment seeking to understand Him. Their thoughts were continually aimed at worshipping the Lord, not only from within their heart, but also in worshipping Him by their actions. They sought to dwell in the "secret place" with God. They knew His name(s).

Were these Bible hero's perfect? Absolutely not; but they did all possess a sincere desire to please God in all of their ways. They were not afraid to be different. They didn't worry about what the crowd would say. These hero's of the faith lived a life that was so remarkably different than main stream society... even different than the main stream religious people of their day. They pursued an intimate relationship with El Elyon (The God Most High), and could not be satisfied until every word that God had spoken into their heart came to pass.

Psalm 91:2-3 -
"I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence."

The Lord is so pleased with us when we trust Him. He longs to protect us in times of trouble. His will is to deliver us from the snares of life. Imagine Him as a mighty umbrella. As the storms of life beat vehemently upon the windows of our soul, He says, "Run to me." He wants us to run out of the storm, and into His presence... which happens to be a place of shelter; a refuge and a fortress.

Psalm 91:4 -
"He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler."

God's Word is the TRUTH. Disappointing FACTS are only an opportunity to stand on God's Word. No matter what FACTS threaten you today, know that God's TRUTH will always prevail... when you dwell in the "secret place". The Lord does not force His will upon anyone. Even though His will is peaceful and full of His glory, still, He gives each one of us an opportunity to choose any path that may seem right in our own eyes. Oh, how He yearns for each of us to choose His perfect pathway that leads to victory. God has given us the manual for getting to the "secret place" and now He waits with open arms for us to seek Him out. El Yeshuati (the God of my salvation) not only wants us to find Him, but, He also wants us to rest in His presence continually.

Psalm 91:7 -
"A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee."

Do you really trust the Lord? Are you resting in the promises of God's Word; refusing to live in fear? Have you entered into that "secret place"? If so, Psalm 91:7 is a passage that should give you complete peace - no matter what the condition of our economy and no matter what storms may come your way. Even though thousands of hearts may fail because of fear; numerous homes may fall apart in the wake of stress; and multitudes may fall sick with disease; the Lord's Word promises us that those who dwell in His "secret place" will always have supernatural help from El Shaddai (the God who is all-sufficient and more than enough).

Psalm 91:15 -
"He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him."

Perhaps you have not sought to live in the "secret place" of the most High and now you are suffering the consequences of life's storms that have tried to overtake you. The GOOD NEWS is that it is never too late with God! Call upon Him NOW! Seek Him NOW! Abide in His presence NOW! He will deliver you and set you on high when you run to Him - setting your full affection and sincere love upon His every Word.

God will show you His salvation. The richness of His love - which rides upon the wings of TRUTH - will deliver you, keep you, and bless you forevermore. So, seek to dwell in the "secret place" of the most High; for it is there that you will abide under the shadow of the Almighty God.

Child of God, rejoice, because the habitation of the Lord brings peace... and through peace we obtain our victory! Now that's good news...Hallelujah!

Challenge: Read the entire Psalm 91, daily, until you get a revelation about the "secret place" of worship that brings deliverance.
By: Deborah Ross
Deborah Ross Ministries
Strengthening Families & Encouraging Women

1 comment:

Patty@Heaven said...

I love your Blog and teaching. I'm a follower now.
I'm in the process of improving my relationship with our God and at the same time I want to share the good news with others through my blog.
Thanks for your love for others.
Patty.