911
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” Psalm 91.1, 2
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” Psalm 91.1, 2
Where do you turn when you are distressed? Or in trouble? A few days ago I saw a video clip of someone who said that whenever they are distressed or troubled, she would dial 911. Then, she went on to explain that her 911 stood for Psalm 91.1. There are times when a fellow believer’s cleverness is simply too complex for me.
It had been a while since I had cogitated over this particular Psalm; but, as I did I was reminded of the blessedness of our position as children of God. When a child is distressed, he will hasten to the person whom provides for him a safe place. They are not usually politically correct when it comes to choosing their place of safety – they high-tail it to their “secret place.”
The Psalmist is suggesting that the true believer will “dwell” (Yashab – “sit down and abide, rest”). Spurgeon commented: “The blessings here promised are not for all believers, but for those who live in close fellowship with God. Every child of God looks towards the inner sanctuary and the mercy-seat, yet all do not dwell in the most holy place; they run to it at times, and enjoy occasional approaches, but they do not habitually reside in the mysterious presence.” Our Lord, when addressing those who rejected Him lamented, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” (Matthew 23.37)
Dwelling in God’s secret place of hiding is not the coward’s way out. It is God’s provision of protection for His children. Furthermore, the one who chooses to afford himself of God’s protection will also enjoy the shadow (tsale – “frequently used as a symbol for protection or refuge”) of God’s presence.
As we remain under the shade of our heavenly Father’s protection, we can rejoice in His extraordinary blessings. As the world plunges deeper and deeper into despair, we can enjoy His presence and the calmness of His care. Within His dwelling place, no one or no thing can touch us apart from His divine will – He is in control. I am safe under His wings.
It had been a while since I had cogitated over this particular Psalm; but, as I did I was reminded of the blessedness of our position as children of God. When a child is distressed, he will hasten to the person whom provides for him a safe place. They are not usually politically correct when it comes to choosing their place of safety – they high-tail it to their “secret place.”
The Psalmist is suggesting that the true believer will “dwell” (Yashab – “sit down and abide, rest”). Spurgeon commented: “The blessings here promised are not for all believers, but for those who live in close fellowship with God. Every child of God looks towards the inner sanctuary and the mercy-seat, yet all do not dwell in the most holy place; they run to it at times, and enjoy occasional approaches, but they do not habitually reside in the mysterious presence.” Our Lord, when addressing those who rejected Him lamented, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” (Matthew 23.37)
Dwelling in God’s secret place of hiding is not the coward’s way out. It is God’s provision of protection for His children. Furthermore, the one who chooses to afford himself of God’s protection will also enjoy the shadow (tsale – “frequently used as a symbol for protection or refuge”) of God’s presence.
As we remain under the shade of our heavenly Father’s protection, we can rejoice in His extraordinary blessings. As the world plunges deeper and deeper into despair, we can enjoy His presence and the calmness of His care. Within His dwelling place, no one or no thing can touch us apart from His divine will – He is in control. I am safe under His wings.
“Under His wings I am safely abiding;
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him–I know He will keep me,
He has redeemed me and I am His child.
“Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!
How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing,
There I find comfort, and there I am blessed.”
“Under His wings, O what precious enjoyment!
There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;
Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,
Resting in Jesus I’m safe evermore.
Refrain:
“Under His wings, under His wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.”
– William Cushing
“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. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.” Psalm 91.2-6
Copyright © 2023 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
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