He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1 NKJV)
Fear … a familiar emotion we probably face more than we want to. God knew about the fears we will face and gave us His key to protection in Psalm 91. Let’s start unlocking the door as we unpack the hidden treasures found in each verse.
Our position
The starting point that gives us the access to God’s divine protection is found in our position. The Hebrew word for “dwell” is yashab and means to sit down, to remain, to settle. God wants us to rest and enjoy His protection. As believers, we are seated in Christ at God’s right hand (Ephesians 2:6; Hebrew 1:3). We are no longer standing or working, but seated as we access and receive the blessings of Jesus. Because of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice on the Cross, He completed the work for us and therefore we can dwell – rest in the in the secret place of the Most High. A place where the enemy cannot see or reach us.
God’s names
Note the different names of God that are used here. The first is Elyon (Most High) and the second is Shaddai (Almighty). El Elyon means “Highest”; “Exalted One”; “Most High” God Most High” and emphasizes that God is the highest in every realm of life. El Shaddai means “God Almighty” who is the One for whom nothing is impossible. It can also be literally translated, “God, the Mountain One” who is strong and unchanging.
These names reveal a lot to us in and of ourselves. Our present challenges or circumstances may appear insurmountable, but when we rest in the presence of El Elyon as the possessor of heaven and earth (Genesis 14:19) and abide under the shadow of El Shaddai, the All-sufficient One, we begin to see that our challenges are no longer so intimidating at all.
The secret place
The secret place of the Most High is our position in Christ – a place of intimacy and closeness. Once we accept Jesus as our Savior, we become hidden in Christ – the safest hiding place. When the enemy tries to tempt us, he first has to find us in Christ. Even when we fall, we do not lose our position as we remain in Christ. This is because our position is not based on what we do, but because of what Christ has done for us. Our righteousness in Christ is a gift (Romans 5:17).
The shadow
To abide under the shadow of someone means you need to be close to that person. This again speaks of intimacy and closeness as well as protection. It is a place where you do not feel the heat of the persecution. It is a place of coolness and rest. A position we obtain because of our personal relationship with Christ.
How do you access this position of divine position?
The position in the secret place and the shadow of God is available to each one of us as His children. You do not have to reach a certain spiritual level before you can access it. It is automatically yours because of your position of righteousness in Christ (1 Corinthians 5:21). Receive it and make it your own.
As you look upon what is happening around us or if you are currently facing intimidating circumstances, I want to encourage you to meditate on Psalm 91:1 and declare it over yourself and your family every morning. Also, hold on to the truth of your righteous position in Christ, which means you have God, the All Mighty and Most High as your personal bodyguard and provider of rest and peace.
Maretha Retief
Illustration credit: Jeanne de Villiers