The Secret Place
An Invitation to Abide In His Presence
Written By Annie Curtis
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 (KJV)
In an Insecure World
Every generation has faced its own uncertainties that are marked by danger, disease, violence, and fear. Yet, in an ever-changing world, God remains the same. He invites us to dwell in the secret place, where we find a refuge of peace, and security in Him.
The secret place is not a physical existence but a deep spiritual and intimate connection with the Most High God. It is communion with Him through prayer, worship, and fellowship. As we pursue a loving relationship with our Heavenly Father, we will continually live under a covering of safety, a hiding place of protection, with His covenant presence among us.
Our Refuge and Fortress: A Believer’s Confession
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God; in Him will I trust. Psalm 91:2 (KJV)
This passage moves us from God's promise to our own confession, acting on our own will. It is a declaration of faith, a believer's deliberate decision to remain in His place of safety and protection. Psalm 118:8 strongly urges us that it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. By placing our trust in Him, we choose to rely solely upon His power rather than human strength.
Living It Out
When I was in college, my mother sent my siblings and me a letter encouraging us to read and remember Psalm 91. She called it the Prayer of Protection. She wanted us to understand that our security would never rest in this world’s system but in the Lord our God.
As I entered adulthood, I began to live out this promise and I wanted the children in my family to know and understand these principles early in life as well. As an early childhood teacher, I believe that children are like sponges. They are able to absorb information that would later support their understanding. I believed the seeds that were planted in their hearts would sustain them if they ever faced challenges beyond the family's ability to protect them .
What Does This Mean Today?
Over the years, I have learned that dwelling in His presence is not an occasional visit; it is a moment-by-moment experience. As I build a strong and loving relationship with Him, the more I am aware of His actual presence. In His refuge, we are in a safe place that shields us from the attacks of the enemy, and in His fortress, His hedge of protection is the spiritual defense that withstands every fiery dart and evil assault of the enemy.
The promises in Psalm 91 are as relevant today as they have been from the beginning of time because God’s character never changes. His presence and protection will remain steadfast for those who choose to dwell in the secret place and abide under His shadow of protection..
