The Secret Place
There are those dark nights of the soul when the best thing we can do is to “steal away to Jesus.” Those words from the old Spiritual were birthed out of the tears of severe trials when the heart of faith turns to the only Refuge and Hope. We steal away to the secret place where we find safety in Jesus.
That’s the emotion behind Psalm 91:1,2 – “He who dwells 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 whom I trust.’”
What life-experience compelled this author to reach for his pen and capture his feelings in these lyrics? What’s his story?
Was he feeling threatened, alone, trapped? Was his inner strength drained? Was he where many find themselves: no where to turn but to God?
I love that expression, “the secret place of the Most High.” It speaks of a sanctuary, a stronghold, a retreat in which to hide. The imagery is that of a baby birds tucked safely under the protective wings of the mother.
Four names of God give rise to his declaration, “in whom I trust”:
- “Most High” – not unlike the description of Jesus Christ who is seated in the heavenly place “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come,” (Ephesians 1:21)
- “the Almighty” – there is no equal to the supremacy of God in power and might.
- “the LORD” – whatever the situation or need, he himself becomes the solution to that need when he acts on behalf of his people. He is present and working in your circumstances.
- “my God” – he who is Creator, strong and mighty…the superlative name for God who spoke the universe into existence.
Steal away to this God! The Secret Place.
