"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

-Psalm 91:1 (NKJV)

 

On last week we explored the importance of abiding in God as a means of strengthening our salvation and allowing us to receive the joy that God has promised to give us amidst our circumstances. This week, we'll further explore what it means to "abide" in God and how it becomes our greatest armor of protection.

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Psalm 91 is a very popular psalm. It speaks to the protection of God and the importance of our ability to rest in Him as a means of finding refuge from those things that seek to destroy us. Psalm 91:1, tells us that, "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty" (NKJV). But what does this mean? What is the secret place and how can we abide under God's shadow?

 

It all rests in our ability and will to dwell (continuously abide) in God, and to acknowledge Him in all our ways. Let's Explore.

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Abide                                

Let's review the definition of the word abide. As we referenced on last week, abide means to:

• to live or stay somewhere,

• to remain or continue,

• to be able to live with or put up with,

• to accept or bear (someone or something bad, unpleasant, etc.),

• to accept and be guided by (something) : obey.

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It is important that we fully understand what it means to abide. Abiding in God is not a half-hearted, weak effort, one foot in, one foot out approach. Abiding in God is not an I'm with you today and not tomorrow approach. Abiding in God is not an I'm with you and am obedient as long as you give me what I want approach. Abiding in God is not an I love you when things are good but resent you when things are bad approach. Abiding in God is not an I'm here until something more appeasing comes along approach. ABIDING IN GOD IS A CONSISTENT EFFORT, WHOLE-HEARTED, ALL-IN NO MATTER THE WEATHER approach, that is rooted in our ability to TRUST HIM! At many times what causes us to not FULLY ABIDE in God in the way that we should is the fact that far too often, many of us don't FULLY TRUST Him. And because we don't fully trust Him, we find ourselves constantly wavering. And as long as we are constantly wavering, so will our ability to remain in that "secret place" that Psalm 91
speaks of.

 

"The Secret Place?"                                                                                 

 

What is the "secret place" that Psalm 91 refers to? That secret place that Psalm 91 refers to is our abiding in God. Although we all have the gift of salvation that is given to us by grace through our faith in Christ (he was born, crucified, and resurrected) and through the repentance of our sins; and although Christ died for all of us, we each have our very own personal relationship with Him. Our individual relationships with God are just between us and God. No one else is a part of that relationship. Salvation is personal. It is an individual choice. No one can receive salvation on our behalf neither can we receive salvation on behalf of anyone else. There is no more middleman involved in our atoning or coming into reconciliation with God. There is only Jesus.

 

Therefore, when we abide in God, that is a place that no one else has access to. No one else can receive God's Spirit on our behalf. Our rest in God is a place of confidentiality. Only God knows our thoughts, our pain, our joys, and our sorrows. While others may know of our life experiences, and the feelings and emotions that we might share with them or that they experience
or witness firsthand, only God knows the facets of these feelings, thoughts, and emotions that we wrestle with. Only God knows those things that we carry in us that we don't share with anyone else. Only God knows our "hidden selves". Only God knows the intent of our hearts. Only God knows who He created us to be and the purposes for which He has done so. God is the only one who knows the innermost part of our beings because He fashioned us.

 

In "fearFULLY and wonderFULLY Made?", we discussed how God so intricately designed us. He made none of us the same. We are each a species of our own with the common connection of being created by God. We are so known by God that He knows things about us that we don't know about ourselves. He knows every pain and emotion that we feel before we feel it. He knows every move that we're going to make before we decide to make it. He is fully aware of everything that we will come into contact with. There is nothing above or below the earth that is unknown to God. Nothing goes without His notice.

 

That "secret place", our relationship with God is not tangible. Although people can make assumptions about where we are in God based on what we reflect out of us through our behaviors and actions, only God knows the driving force behind every behavior and action. Only God knows the intents of our hearts.

 

Our praying and supplicating to God are also part of that "secret place". When we pray to God, that signal cannot be intercepted by man. No one can tap into that conversation between us and God that takes place when we go to Him in prayer and supplication. As Hannah went to the temple and was supplicating to God for that child that she so yearned for, Eli saw her actions, but He did not know her "secret place".  Eli did not know that what appeared as "drunkenness" to him was really Hannah pouring her heart out to God, because Hannah was tapping into her "secret place". People can judge us based on what they think, but only God knows our innermost thoughts and our innermost struggles. No one is privy to our prayers except God.

 

Even when we pray aloud amongst others, they may hear our prayers, but only God knows the faith, trust, and assurance in Him that backs those prayers that we pray. Only God knows those thoughts and emotions that are warring inside of us as we attempt to get those prayers out to Him. Only God knows the when's and how's concerning the manner in which He will respond to our prayers. Better yet, as we pray aloud, only God knows those requests that we keep buried in the pit of our stomach because we are too afraid to pray them aloud because others might hear. Only God knows those requests that we keep buried in the pit of our stomach as we quietly pray to Him because we are too afraid or don't have enough assurance to ask Him for what we truly want. Our prayers are part of our "secret place" and they are protected because GOD AND ONLY GOD CONTROLS THE OUTCOME OF OUR PRAYERS! We must dwell in assurance that He will answer.

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Another way that we tap into our "secret place" is through our praise and worship to God. When we praise and worship God, it is another way for us to enter into His presence. Regardless of how others might interpret how we praise and worship, only God knows the true intent of our hearts and the sentiments from which our praise and worship of Him stems from. Even as we endure the trials of life and we find ourselves being faced with those giants and pits that seek to destroy us, our ability to praise Him despite what we are facing becomes one of our most valuable weapons. Regardless of what we are up against, we cannot detach from our "secret place" because our dwelling in that secret place positions us in a place of protection.

 

He who dwells in the secret place...SHALL abide                                           

 

• To dwell is defined as:

• to live in a place or in a particular way,

• to live or continue in a given condition or state,

• to live in it,

• to abide as a permanent resident.

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When we dwell in God, that means that we are:

• living our lives according to His ways and His commands,

• staying grounded and in connection with God,

• resting in God,

• permanently abiding in Him.

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If we reflect on the story of Job, both his wife and his friends were aware of what he was experiencing. They were aware of his pain and his trauma. They saw him wrestling with this thing that he could not get rid of. They saw him having attack after attack after attack being inflicted upon him. They heard Job's moaning and felt the intensity of his sorrows. Furthermore, we know that it was God who allowed satan to attack Job. In his attacking Job, satan knew the depth of the pain that he was inflicting upon Job. Yet and still, despite what Job's wife, friends, or satan knew about Job, ONLY GOD KNEW JOB'S SECRET PLACE in Him, which is part of the reason why GOD ALLOWED HIM TO BE TESTED! Regardless of what dialogue Job was expressing on the outside, GOD KNEW WHERE HIS HEART AND HOPE LIED.

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In Job 23:3-4, Job states, "If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling! I would state my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments" (NIV). Job found himself in a dark and confusing place, and because God was not responding like Job wanted Him to, and because Job wanted answers concerning why God was allowing this havoc to be wreaked upon him, Job was searching for God.

 

It is intriguing that here it was, Job wishing that he could find God so that he could state his case before Him. Here it was Job wishing that he could go to God's dwelling, yet not realizing that he was dwelling in God although he thought that God was nowhere to be found. Job was searching for God, but God was always there. God was both watching and listening. Here it was Job wishing that he could go to God's dwelling place as a means to find Him, not realizing that deep inside of him, that yearning to find God was connecting him closer to Him. Job's ability to remain in God is what allowed him to abide in the shadows of the Almighty. Throughout all of Job's sufferings, GOD NEVER TOOK HIS HANDS OFF OF JOB because God knew that Job WOULD NEVER STOP HOLDING ON TO HIM! 

 

When we dwell in God, that brings us under the covering of God. If we reflect on Psalm 91:1, "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty", whenever we choose to dwell in God, when we choose to dwell in that secret place, that relationship with the Most High, automatically places us in a position of abiding under His protection and covering.

 

There are two facets concerning abiding under the shadow of the Almighty that brings about two distinct revelations from the perspective of two distinct contexts. Let's Explore.

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Dark Shape: Hidden and Not Visible

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God is the Most High God. There is none above or in comparison to Him. There is no other god or being with His omnipotence, omnipresence, omniscience, dominion, or sovereignty. We tend to think of a shadow as a reflection of something. A shadow is defined as, "a dark shape that is formed when an object blocks a source of light". If we reflect on this, it means that if we abide under the shadow of God, who is the Almighty, then all those things (objects) that come against us as a means of trying to keep us disconnected from God, (who is our source, our light, and our salvation), upon our dwelling in Him, a covering is formed.
And if a shadow is defined as a dark shape that forms when an object blocks a source of light, that make's God's covering over us, that dark shape. And not dark as in evil but dark as in "hidden" or not visible. His covering is that dark shape because it is a "secret place" that exists only between us and Him. His shadow is that invisible shape that conceals His plans and purposes for us. Because Job dwelled in God and abided under His shadow, only God knew how He was going to protect and bring him out of the same despair that He allowed him to be placed in.

 

Because the Hebrew Boys dwelled in God and was under His shadow, only God knew how He would see them through the fire and prosper them, causing even those who served other gods to reverence Him after seeing how His Mighty hands protected them.

 

Because Daniel dwelled in God and was under His shadow, only God knew how He would allow Daniel to come out of the lions' den unharmed and receive the same promotion and success that his haters tried to block.

 

God's covering over us, His shadow, because it is a "hidden place", it often causes our enemies to think that they have the victory over us because they only see the attack that they inflicted upon us, because they can't see the covering. God's covering is often not recognized by our enemies until we walk out of the dark place, the fire, and the lions' den. God's covering over us is at many times not recognizable to our enemies until they realize that "THEIR WEAPONS HAVE NOT PROSPERED"! Goliath smirked at the sight of David because he saw the boy that stood in front of him but did not see the shadow of the Almighty that stood over the boy.

 

Dark Shape: The Orchestration of Darkness to Light

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Another interesting facet about our abiding under the shadow of the Almighty, is that in our considering that a shadow is a dark shape that is formed when an object tries to block a source of light, that also means that these objects, these weapons that are formed against us as a means of trying to block our destiny and God's plans for us, places us in a position in which God covers us by using these dark shapes (evil plans and intents inflicted upon us), forming them in a way, that not only covers us, but works to our benefit and brings Him the glory.

 

Definition of a Shadow:
A dark shape that is                                formed                                     when an object               blocks a source of light.
An evil intent that           God orchestrates and uses for His glory        when our enemies      try to block what God has for us.
                                       making it into what He has said will be
                                         versus what our enemies said will be

 

Joseph's brothers tried to destroy and get rid of him as did Potiphar's wife. However, God took their evil intents and formed them in a way that although Joseph's enemies tried to destroy and block his success, God worked it in Joseph's favor and got the glory out of Joseph's troubled circumstances. When we abide under God's shadow, He makes all things well. Psalm 91:1, reflects the same promise found in Isaiah 54:17, which states, "No weapon that is formed against [us] shall prosper" (KJV). When we dwell in God, and place our trust in Him, we are placed under the shadow of His protection. We are placed under the shadow of His provision. We are placed under the shadow of His sovereignty, because HE WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE FINAL SAY-SO regardless of who or what we stand against.

 

One of our greatest areas of opportunity as believers lies in the fact that far too often, we become so overwhelmed by the attacks inflicted upon us that we don't allow ourselves to see that God is working amidst them. There are some things that hit us so hard and inflict so much pain and despair upon us that due to the turmoil of the attack, our minds cannot grasp that God could be using our distress to our advantage. Because we know God to be omnipotent, we at times don't understand why it seems as though He always chooses the most difficult path or unsurmountable circumstances to bless us with what He has promised us. We at times cannot fathom that being as though God is omnipotent, why does it seem like success has to come through strife, blessings have to come through setbacks, and promise has to come through pain, when He has the power to do it in ways that are not as distressing and nerve-racking. And the truth is that we won't ever be able to understand why God does things in the way that He does, we just have to trust that He knows what He is doing. We just have to trust that He has a plan.

 

There is no way around our having to face trials and tribulations, therefore God is not going to stop working when we are faced with troubles and choose to only bless us during our moments of joy. Because God is omnipotent and because He is God, He never stops working which means that good times or bad times, through our ins and outs, or our ups and downs, God does not stop moving nor does He ever stop having a plan. God is not going to halt Himself and only operate amidst happy situations to
satisfy our desire to not have to endure. Being that God controls all things and nothing controls Him, He can make happen what He wants to happen despite the circumstances involved. We must understand that it is God working amidst the dark things that we don't want to have to endure that shows the depth and intensity of His power. God at times has to do things in a way so that those who bear witness to it know that it was Him and Him alone that did it.

 

Job 12:22 states, "He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings utter darkness into the light" (NIV). While we might not understand the darkness that we are faced with, whether God chooses to reveal it to us or not, He understands it. We must understand that God allows nothing to occur without intent and even when these things are not known to us, we must continue dwelling in Him. We must try our best to hold on to God and not detach from Him during our moments of despair, even if
they seem like they'll never end. If we reflect back on Joseph and all that he had to endure, Joseph recognized God at work in his darkness.

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Genesis 45:4-8, in part reads:

         I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with                           yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there

         has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead

         of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 'So then, it was not you

         who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt (NIV).

 

It would have been easy for Joseph to feel like he was being punished by God, but Joseph understood that God operates even amidst the most unfortunate of circumstances. Joseph understood that the deep pain and his dark places were God's way of positioning him in a place to save the life of others, which included the very family that betrayed him. Potiphar was once in charge of Joseph and it was because of the lie of Potiphar's wife, that Joseph was placed in jail. However, God worked it in a way that resulted in Joseph being put in control of all of Egypt because he dwelled in a God that was in CONTROL OF ALL THINGS. Joseph found peace with the fact that God had to do it in the way that He did it, in order for him to receive what God had for him.

 

When their father Jacob passed, Joseph's brothers became fearful thinking that maybe Joseph would turn on them being that their father was no longer alive. However, due to Joseph's ability to dwell in God, he was able to keep his eyes fixed on God and not try to seek vengeance on his brothers due to what they had previously done to him. In Genesis 50:20-21, Joseph states, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.' And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them" (NIV). Joseph understood that God used the darkness to his benefit and to God's glory. Joseph is the same brother who they could not fathom becoming ruler over them yet despite their evil plans, Joseph was still appointed by God, to rule over them. The evil intents of Joseph's brothers nor Potiphar's wife could stop the plans of the Almighty.

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The Most High & The Almighty                                                                       

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The Most High is the name of God that is used to establish Him as the most supreme God. He is the one and only God. He is the only living God. There are none above Him. He is the Most High, who has all power, authority, dominion, and sovereignty in His Mighty Hands.

 

The Almighty is the name of God that signifies Him as having complete power over all things and the power to do anything. 'Almighty' speaks to the omnipotence and strength of God.

 

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High-
He who dwells in the God of and above all things

 

Shall abide under the shadows of the Almighty-
Shall abide under the protection of the most powerful and Mighty God

 

When we make a decision to dwell in God, when we seek, trust, and look to Him amidst all things, we are placed under the protection of His shadow. We are placed under the protection of the power, dominion, and sovereignty that only He has.

 

And if we were to really reflect on it, if we abide under God's shadow, that signifies that He goes before us in all things.

It is very much possible for us to see the shadow of something without seeing the object itself. That means that even when we don't see God, even when it might seem like He is not there, we are covered by the Almighty. Just as a shadow may be present even when we don't see the object, God's covering is over us, even when we can't see Him amidst our circumstances.

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Where Will We Dwell?                                                                                  

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It is easy to place our hope, our confidence, and our assurance in different people and things especially when we have a habit of flocking toward the things of the natural as a means of overcoming those challenges that tend to hinder our ability to look to God. However, our ability to be placed in a position in which we can receive the victory that is rightfully ours, rests in our ability to dwell in God. It rests in our ability to dwell in that "secret place".

 

When we think of dwelling in the "secret place" of the Most High, there is another facet to that "secret place" that we must expound upon. The thoughts of God, His plans, His purposes, His reasoning for doing the things that He does, His intents, are not known to man. God is a mysterious God. He is unpredictable in all His ways. Therefore, when we choose to dwell in Him, we become part of that secret place by way of His thoughts. We are in His plans. And because we dwell in Him, His thoughts and plans for us are of good intent. As Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, God's plans for us are meant to prosper us and not to harm us. Even when God allows suffering, it is never with bad intent. It is always for our good and His glory that we are put in a place of having to endure these trials. However, that truth can be very hard to grasp or understand when nothing about pain, agony, and despair looks, feels, or seems beneficial. 

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When Job first received the news that he had lost his children, all of his servants except for one, as well as other possessions that he owned, Job 1:20, states that, "Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship" (NIV). Job was distressed and heartbroken, yet he was still able to reverence God despite his sorrows. We know that when Daniel faced the lions' den, he prayed and gave thanks to God. As David stood before Goliath, he was full of praise and reverence for God. When the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh cried out to God during battle, God answered their prayers because their trust was in Him. When we make a choice to dwell in God versus depending on our own strength or the strength of 'man' to see us through, God WILL NEVER LEAVE US HANGING! GOD WILL ALWAYS RESPOND! The victory will always be ours when instead of focusing on what's in front of us or against us, we choose to consider and acknowledge the God that is above us and surrounds us. GOD WILL NEVER FORGET OR OVERLOOK THOSE WHO KEEP THEIR MINDS STAYED ON HIM! 

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The Awe of His Thoughts and Loving Care                                                        

 

"Lord, what is man, that You take knowledge of him? Or the son of man, that You are mindful of him?"

-Psalm 144:3 (NKJV)

 

We must behold the fact that God does not have to keep us in mind, but He does. God is not in debt to us concerning anything. Even amidst our flaws and our moments of disobedience and going astray, He still gives us a chance to get it right. Even in seeing how we were not capable of abiding by the laws that He had set in place before us, instead of forever holding us accountable and bringing condemnation upon us as was rightfully deserved, He instead sent His Son to bear the cross, saving us from our sins. And our sad truth is that if we were to be honest, we all want more. We appreciate what God did, but we don't want it to stop right there. If we were to be honest with ourselves, how many of us could say that we would be fine if God did nothing else for us because of Him already sacrificing His Son? If you are there, then all praises to God, tell us how you got there! 

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Because we are human and because we live a very real life, regardless of how saved or spiritual we are, most of us want something from God apart from salvation itself. We all have requests to God whether it be something along the lines of, "Lord, help me to find a parking space because I don't want to have to pay to park in the garage!" or "Lord, please allow this treatment to go well so that I don't need surgery.", the requests are most definitely there. Whether it be physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual, the requests are most definitely there. Whether it be something we need for ourselves or whether it be us trying to help someone else obtain something that they need, the request are most definitely there. Whether it be guidance, provision, protection, deliverance, healing, strength, or whatever it is that we need, the requests are most definitely there. 

 

David was a man "after God's own heart" and yet he constantly prayed to God for protection from his enemies and for vindication. David also constantly prayed for direction and guidance. And amidst all of this, David also praised God amidst all of these requests that he made known unto Him.

 

Moses was called by God to lead His children out of Egypt and into the promised land. God considered Moses to be His friend. Moses spoke face-to-face with God, and yet Moses still had requests to God. Moses had no problem reminding God of what He had promised him. Moses had no problem going to God when he could not understand what God was doing. Moses had no problem asking God to relent from His anger toward the Israelites. Moses was very real with God about how he felt and what he needed. But we also see that Moses reverenced God. Moses trusted God. Moses obeyed God. Moses followed God.

 

Job was a "BLAMELESS" man, who had more riches than anyone amongst him. And although blameless, God-fearing, and against evil, that did not stop him from having requests. Job made his feelings known to God. Job was so overwhelmed by the attacks placed upon him that Job's requests were all over the place. Job had moments in which he hoped that God would end his life. He had moments in which he just wanted clarity as to why he was enduring the unfortunate events that he found himself
in. Job wanted peace. Job wanted hope. Job wanted deliverance. Job wanted God to show him the error of his ways, if any. Job wanted God to "stop being angry with him". Job went through all sorts of emotions and feelings. And Job's reaction is a clear indication as to why God at times lets us vent, go through all our emotions, and lets us get them all out, without holding it against us. Job's reaction shows us why we should be thankful for God's grace, mercy, and omniscience, in not always giving us what we ask for, when we ask for it. If God would have listened to Job and took his life when he had hoped for it, he would have missed the blessing that God had waiting for him after he had endured. However, amidst all these wavering requests, Job held on to God. Job reverenced God. Job still understood that no matter how deep and dark the despair was that he found himself in, GOD WAS STILL IN CONTROL and could TURN IT AROUND!

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What does our knowing that David, Moses, and Job were favored by God and still had requests mean? It means that we are always going to have requests to God. And God has no problem with that. God wants us to be dependent on Him. God wants us to consider Him as our source and our only means of receiving those things that we need. God want us to see Him as our only way out. God want us to know that our survival rests in Him. In the Word of God, the Lord tells us, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7, NIV).

 

We are all going to have needs regardless of what those needs are. We are going to have requests. We are going to have desires. And we are supposed to. We don't have the power that God has therefore we are going to have to 'ASK' Him for things. However, our requests should not outnumber our praise, our thanks, and our gratitude towards God. Our requests should not be held in higher thought or esteem than our reverence for God. David, Moses, and Job had requests, however their reverence and admiration for God were greater than their requests to God. There are far too many of us who don't want to honor God nor dwell in Him but want to receive what we ask Him for. There are far too many who don't want to dwell in God, but want God to bless them with homes and other material things that they can dwell and find pleasure in.

 

In Psalm 37:3-4, David encourages us saying, "Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart" (NKJV). This is another benefit of our ability to dwell and find pleasure in God above the things of the world. This is another benefit of our ability and willingness to seek and trust God when we are faced with the issues and trials of life. When we trust God, appreciate what He has already done for us, when we hold on to His faithfulness unto us, when we find our joy and happiness in Him, He will give us those things that we desire even when we are not requesting them of Him. As we've already discussed, when we dwell in God, and become part of that "secret place" by way of His thoughts for us, God makes us part of His plan as it concerns blessings, rewards, favor, prosperity, provision, safety, protection, and all those other things that He graces us with when we choose to dwell in Him. God will ALWAYS make sure that we have those things that we both want and need.   

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"Know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind;

for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts.

If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever."

-1 Chronicles 28:9 (NKJV)

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"For the Lord will not cast off His people, Nor will He forsake His inheritance."

- Psalm 94:14(NKJV)

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If we dwell in God and place our full dependence in Him, He won't forget about us. When we dwell in God, we remain part of His constant thoughts and plans for good. When we dwell in God, He is already fully aware of the entire details of our life's story. When we dwell in God and don't relent, He will make Himself known to us. He will answer us. He will respond to our cry. However, all of these things that He "WILL" do for us will be done "IN HIS TIMING AND IN HIS WAY"! And that is perhaps what makes it so difficult for many of us. We must recognize that there is great reward when we remain firm and don't give up regardless of what we are faced with. We must realize that there is great reward when regardless of what we are faced with, WE DON'T LET GO OF GOD!

 

God won't ever leave us short of anything as long as we remain in Him. The only time we ever have to worry about being cast away by God is if we choose not to serve Him or if we forsake Him. The only time we ever have to worry about being cast away by God is if we choose to disobey. We only have to worry about being cast away by God when we choose to place our hope and dependency on other things. The only time we have to worry about being cast away by God is if we choose to serve other gods, or praise, worship, and exalt other things in higher regards than we do Him. We only have to worry about being cast away by God when we choose to dwell in sin.

 

Even if we do find ourselves being cast away by God, if we confess our sins unto Him, repenting and asking Him for forgiveness that is coupled with our belief in His Son (he was born, crucified, and resurrected), then He accepts us right back into His graces. There is no waiting period, application, or approval needed. We are guaranteed salvation as long as we repent and believe. However, upon doing so, WE MUST STILL COMMITT TO DWELLING IN HIM. Salvation saves us but our relationship with God and our ability to dwell in Him is what will sustain us both in our lives and most importantly in our ability to maintain our salvation.

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The Certainty of SHALL!                                                                                    

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

 

There is a word that is of extreme significance in Psalm 91:1, and that word is "shall".

 

Shall is defined as:

• what is inevitable,

• used to say that something certainly will or must happen,

• required or mandatory (legal usage),

• under obligation to do.

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Psalm 91:1, does not state that when we dwell in the secret place of the Most High, we "might" abide in the shadow of the Almighty. It does not state that "maybe" we will abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1, states that we "SHALL" abide under the shadow of the Almighty, meaning that it is "FOR SURE". The word "shall" expresses "certainty".

 

When we choose to dwell in God, He makes it His obligation and responsibility to protect and cover us. While we might use words interchangeably or say one thing while we mean another, GOD DOES NOT! God is exact in ALL THAT HE SAYS AND DOES! He is intentional. We might say that we shall or will do something knowing that there is a possibility that we might change our minds. We might agree to things knowing in our hearts that we might not be able to fulfill what we have promised. We might say that we'll do something and shift around that thing we said we'd do based on how much of a priority it is when compared to all the other things that we have to make happen. However, unlike us, God does not say things knowing that He won't do what He says. God does not say He will do something and change His mind. Whatever God says, HE DOES! Furthermore, God does not use words for the mere sake of using them, but He uses them with precision.

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In "Restore the JOY "IN" my Salvation", we referenced Hebrews 6:13-15, which states, "When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, 'I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.' And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised" (NIV). We expressed that everything that God promises us is backed by His own word. Anything that comes out of God's mouth is true and exact. It is certain. If God makes a covenant or promise, HE WILL FULFILL IT. If He speaks of what's to come, IT WILL COME TO PASS. When He speaks to what has been or what has already happened, we can be sure that IT MOST DEFINITELY HAS ALREADY TAKEN PLACE!

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Will is defined as:

• decree or ordain,

• a fixed and persistent intent,

• used to give a command or to say what must happen or not happen,

• used to say that something is able to do something,

• used to state that something will certainly happen in the future.

"As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations.

No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.

I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you."

-Genesis 17:4-6 (NKJV)

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"When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you,

who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.

He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever."

-2 Samuel 7:12-13 (NKJV)

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If we review the above passages which contain excerpts from the covenants that God made with Abraham and David, God uses the words "shall" and "will", which expresses the certainty of what God was saying He was going to do. If you were to explore the full texts concerning these covenants which can be found in Genesis 15 and 17 (concerning Abraham) and 2 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 17 (concerning David), God is exact. God in detail, explains the covenant to them, and list what the conditions of the covenant are. And if we continue to explore the Word of God, we know that God kept His promises to both Abraham and David.

 

If we were to read the full chapter of Psalm 91, we will find the word "shall" is used in repetition (KJV AND NKJV). The ESV (English Standard Version) and NIV (New International Version) translations replace the word "shall" with the word "will". However, both words express that it is certain that what is promised in the text is guaranteed to happen.

 
The Power and Protection of Under                                                                       

If any of us have ever taken an earthquake preparedness course, or have ever been given instructions on how to prepare for an earthquake, we may be familiar with being told that one of the things to do during an earthquake is to (1) drop down on our knees and cover our head and neck with our arms to protect ourselves from anything that might be falling. And that second important thing that we might have been told is to (2) crawl under a desk, table, or a piece of furniture that is sturdy (unmovable). It is said that crawling under furniture that is sturdy, provides extra protection. Let's Explore.

 

Psalm 91:1, states that when we dwell in God, we will abide under the shadow of the Almighty. The idea of being under His shadow is significant. We have already discussed the idea of God's shadow being something that keeps us hidden concerning the plans and purposes that He has for us. We discussed how God's shadow keeps us hidden because no one knows His intents for us. However, let's reflect on the power and protection of being "under" His shadow.

 

If we are under God's shadow, then we are beneath it which is our rightful place because He, being the Most High and the Almighty, is above ALL THINGS! Our ability to both recognize and acknowledge that we are beneath Him is part of our reverencing His superiority over us. Being under His shadow, is also another way of hiding us. However, in this respect, we are not referring to "hiding" in the context of not being visible or unseen, as we earlier discussed, but we are now referring to "hiding" in the context of "shielding". When we are under God's shadow, His shadow becomes a shield that surrounds us, preventing anything from harming us. Under the shadow of the Almighty, there is refuge because He does the fighting. There is refuge because He blocks the attacks from damaging, destroying, and overtaking us. There is refuge because under the Almighty's shadow, we are hidden and shielded in a way that makes us profit from the pit, and gain assets out of our losses.

 

Psalm 31:19-20 states, "How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues; you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues" (NIV).​ If we reflect on Psalm 31, written by David, David reminds us that God takes care of those who fear and devote themselves to Him, and who remain in His presence. David reminds us that when we dwell in the presence of God through our relationship with Him, He protects us from all the plots and evil intents that man might have for us.

 

If we recall Joseph, God most definitely hid him. Though God allowed him to have to endure some troublesome things, Joseph stayed in the presence of God, and God kept His hands on Joseph, giving him favor and success in everything that he did. No matter what unfortunate circumstance Joseph found himself in, because he took refuge in God, God sheltered him and would not allow any harm to destroy him regardless of the deceit, lies, or evil intent that were inflicted upon him. God did not relent from prospering Joseph. And Joseph did not relent from looking to God. 

 

If we reflect back on Job, we know that he was hidden by God. He was shielded. Job 1:12 states, "The Lord said to Satan, 'Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger” (NIV). And if we continue reading Job's account, Job 2:6 states, "The Lord said to Satan, 'Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life” (NIV). These are two of the most significant scriptures in the book of Job. Why? Because it clearly shows us that (1) when we dwell in God, He shields us and won't allow anything to destroy us, (2) it shows us that even when God allows harm to be inflicted upon us, HE STILL REMAINS IN CONTROL, (3) it shows us that God always has a plan and that He always has a set time and expected end to all those things that He allows us to endure, (4) and it shows us that because God is the Most High and the Almighty, He can turn ANY SITUATION FOR OUR GOOD!

 

These scriptures represent the fact that even if all we have is destroyed, God is going to keep us in one piece. We at many times might feel like we are on our last lifeline, much like Job did, but God will pull us through. As Job endured, feeling like it was perhaps all over, God was watching, knowing exactly when He would step in, but even more so, God had no intentions of allowing Job to be destroyed. Job had everything taken from him and his body was to the point of non-existence, but God was not going to allow it to end like that. Despite of where Job found himself concerning his family, his possessions, or his physical body, WHEN GOD STEPPED IN...JUST LIKE THAT... EVERYTHING WAS REVIVED! Job's losses became his personal gain and God's glory! These particular verses highlight that during both attempts in which God allowed Satan to wreak havoc on Job, God directed the narrative, which means that He also owned and controlled the outcome.

 

There is power and protection "UNDER" the shadow of the Almighty, but we quite often wrestle with holding on to this truth because even in the examples that we have discussed, the protection of being under the shadows of the Almighty does not mean that we will be pain free, trial free, or without tears. It is hard to see something as being safe, when harm or pain is involved. When we think of the Hebrew Boys, they were placed into the fire and came out unharmed, with no burn scars, or damage to their hair, clothes, or body. However, when we think of Joseph, he was thrown into a pit. He was sold. He was placed in jail. Joseph was both betrayed and lied on. When we think of Job, boy did he suffer. Job lost quite a few things. Job had unfathomable pain and ailments that were inflicted upon his body. Job was most definitely in a dark place. The Hebrew Boys, Joseph, and Job all endured in different ways, and although being put in the fire, a pit, and in utter darkness might not appear safe, they were definitely protected because of who God was and still is. Because God is the Most High and the Almighty, when we dwell in Him, that means that He stays within our presence, and because nothing can harm Him, we are protected regardless of how dangerous or treacherous a place we are in. GOD CANNOT LOSE OR BE DESTROYED and that is the refuge and reward of abiding in Him.

 

Emergency Response!                                                                              

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Let's revisit those two tips of what to do during an earthquake because in case you didn't notice, they are most definitely a reflection of Psalm 91:1...

 

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(1) Drop down on your knees and cover your head and neck with your arms to protect yourself from anything that might be falling: "HE WHO DWELLS IN THE SECRET PLACE OF THE MOST HIGH"

 

When we find ourselves amidst danger, attack, or any other trials or circumstances that life might present us with, and the things in our lives appear to be falling apart, we must learn to let our reaction be falling on our knees. There are many of us who might pray with our heads to the ground as we cry out to God. There are many of us who might pray with our arms and heads lifted high. There are some in an attempt to seek God's face will pray on their knees with their heads and face to the ground and their arms resting on the back of their head or neck. There are some who when they really need to get their prayers out, might lay out on the floor or in their bed, and let it all out. There are some of us who at times might have to leave our desk at work or go to a bathroom stall wherever we are at, in order to find that 'alone' place to lift our hands and call out for God to answer our cry.

 

It is not about the technique or positioning of our arms, our hands, or our bodies, but it is about the positioning of our hearts and our thoughts as we connect with God in our "secret place". Regardless of how we pray, whether sitting, standing, eyes open, or eyes closed, it all equates to that emergency earthquake response move of falling on our knees as a means of running for cover. You won't always be able to find a comfortable place to pray. You won't always be able to find a quiet place to pray. You won't always be able to pray in the position that you are used to, but when you need to get those prayers out, and you are not at home, at church, or in the place that is your go to norm for praying, YOU MUST REMEMBER THAT YOU HAVE A "SECRET PLACE". That means that regardless of where you are, and regardless of the environment that you are in, you can still get your prayers to God. You can still connect with Him. If you're pumping gas, are in line at the grocery store, are sitting in a doctor's office waiting to be called, or whether you are in class, at practice, at work, or in traffic, YOUR "SECRET PLACE" GOES WITH YOU, BECAUSE GOD GOES WITH YOU! The Most High is OMNIPRESENT. When you need to find refuge in Him, you can dwell in Him regardless of where you are. 

(2) Crawl under a desk, table, or a piece of furniture that is sturdy (unmovable). It is said that crawling under furniture that is sturdy, provides extra protection. "WILL ABIDE UNDER THE SHADOWS OF THE ALMIGHTY"

 

When the things in our lives start to overwhelm and impact us, when we dwell in Him by tapping into our relationship with Him, our ability to dwell in Him puts us under the stability of God's protection. Earthquake preparedness advises us to find a sturdy piece of furniture that is unmovable so that we can crawl under it as a means of protecting ourselves. When we dwell in God, it puts us "UNDER" His shadow and GOD IS IMMOVABLE! We never know how sturdy that piece of furniture is going to be until we are placed in a position to have to hide under it, during the unfortunate occurrence of an earthquake. While your desk might have been sturdy and strong enough to protect you, your neighbor's desk could have torn in two. And while your neighbor might have found safety under their table, your table might have been the first thing that shifted when the earthquake started. We all have different types and brands of furniture in our homes, so what one person found safety in during the earthquake that they experienced, may not give us the same means of safety when we experience an earthquake. However, this is the AWE of the Most High God, who we know as the ALMIGHTY! Regardless of who we are, what we have in our homes, what our demographics or backgrounds are, GOD DOES NOT CHANGE! Our God is constant, and consistent. He does not break or fall apart. We have the assurance that GOD CAN PROTECT ALL OF US! WE HAVE THE ASSURANCE THAT GOD CAN SEE US ALL THROUGH! WE HAVE THE ASSURANCE THAT WE WILL ALL SURVIVE when we seek God as our refuge. In the Word of God, not one person who dwelled in Him was ever forsaken or abandoned by God. WHEN WE DWELL IN GOD, REGARDLESS OF WHAT OUR STORY IS, OR WHAT WE HAVE TO ENDURE, WE WILL ALL WIN, BUT WE MUST DWELL IN HIS PRESENCE! 

 

In the ESV and NIV translations of Psalm 91, instead of the word "under" it uses the word "in". Even if we are "in the shadow of the Almighty", there is still safety there, because God is supreme and above all. Because of whom God is, if we abide "in" the shadow of God, if we rest "in" the shadow of God, it still puts us "UNDER" the power of His protection. It still puts us "UNDER" His covering. Whether we are said to be "UNDER" the shadow of the Almighty or "IN" the shadow of the Almighty, as long as we are connected to Him by way of our abiding in Him and He in us, we are safe. Whether "UNDER" or "IN" the shadow of the Almighty we don't have to worry. The only time we have to worry is when we become "SEPARARTED" from the shadow of the Almighty because we have forsaken Him, sinned against Him, or gone astray. The only time we have to worry is when we refuse to abide in Him. We must realize that there is no safety apart from God.

 

As we face those pits, lions' dens, giants, dark places, and all those other circumstances that cause us to feel like we are in a state of emergency, whether we are dwelling in God through our praying, praise, worship, reading the Word, reverencing Him, seeking His face, seeking His counsel, or by communing in whatever method in which we connect with Him, as we do these things, and we place our complete trust in Him, He becomes our EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM!

 

So, the next time that you find yourself in a situation that may be catastrophic, distressing, and bringing about pain and agony in your life, while it might not be a situation in which you can call 9-1-1, REMEMBER THAT 91:1, IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE AND YOU DON'T HAVE TO DIAL TO CONNECT. YOU ONLY HAVE TO DWELL, AND GOD WILL ALWAYS RESPOND!