01-Sep-2024 – In God’s Presence
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. – Psalms 91:1
Another new month brings us another theme. This month’s theme is, “God Prepares a Way.” The verse Psalms 91:1 and the entire Psalm 91 are well-known to many, especially as it was a much-remembered Psalm during the COVID pandemic. Today, let us focus on this theme as we do every month.
Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. – Psalms 91:3
Here, we can understand that the psalmist is going through a tough time. A fowler is someone who sets a trap to catch birds. He arranges some grains and sets up a net around them. The birds, from the sky, only see the grains but cannot identify the net. Once they come down, their legs get trapped in the net, and they cannot escape.
In the same way, the enemy offers things that seem satisfying, joyful, or pleasurable. For example, in the world, young boys and girls are often trapped by drugs and illegal activities. First, those in need of money are observed. Then, slowly, friendships are formed, and help is offered when needed. At the right time, the enemy pounces with their original plan, trapping them in shame and guilt. They are left with only two choices: surrender or perish. In such situations, who can deliver? What is the way out?
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. – Psalms 91:5-6
Here, the psalmist reflects on various difficult situations and declares the goodness of God. First, he mentions the terror of the night. Night is often associated with fear for many of us. It is generally the time when we rest, and we are not fully conscious to be cautious. Hence, thefts and robberies are often planned for the night. Therefore, there is a natural fear of the night.
A flying arrow represents war. In ancient times, the bow and arrow were the most used weapons in battle, and wars typically took place during the day. The psalmist says that even in the midst of war, he will not fear.
Pestilence refers to a deadly and widespread disease. While it can spread in both light and darkness, here darkness symbolizes a time of low visibility. In darkness, we cannot see clearly, which is why we often avoid going out at night to prevent unexpected animal attacks or other dangers. Similarly, deadly diseases are often difficult to detect and attack us when we are unaware of their entry.
Destruction that happens at noonday represents anything, whether a natural disaster or a terror attack, that occurs openly but leaves us with no chance to escape.
In all these situations, which are common in each of our lives, what is the way that God has prepared?
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. – Psalms 91:1
Dwelling in the secret place of the Most High is the best possible way for any believer in any situation. What is a secret place? Think of two best friends. They spend most of their time together, sharing secrets that they don’t even tell their parents. If one of them goes missing, the other first checks the places known only to them. It’s their secret place. The secret place represents a deep level of intimacy.
If I know the secret place of God, it means I have journeyed with God for a long time. I know how He speaks to me, how He reveals things to me, and I have firsthand experience of His presence. Therefore, anyone who dwells in the presence of God will abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Remember, when a father is serious and angry, small children often run behind their mother and look out from there. They hide in their mother’s shadow, and the mother faces the father, speaking on behalf of the child.
In the same way, when we face the situations described in the earlier verses, if we run swiftly into the presence of God, God Himself will stand for us, and we will experience the safety of His shadow. This means that God will take care of things for us. Why?
For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample underfoot. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. – Psalms 91:11-16
The blessings that God provides in our times of need are listed in verses 11 to 16. All these blessings are available to us because of the promises in verse 1 and verse 9:
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation. – Psalms 91:1, 9
So, today God is reminding us that His presence is the way He has prepared for us. David knew this, which is why he ran into God’s presence in every negative situation. Joseph knew this, which is why he never left God’s presence. Jacob knew this, which is why he did not let God go without receiving a blessing. Many men of God have experienced this truth and shared their testimonies. Now it is our time. Let us embrace the way God has prepared and glorify Him with our testimony.
Prayer
Dear loving Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching us today about the wonderful way You have prepared for us. Yes, Lord, Your presence is wonderful and supernatural. Wherever You are, Your authority is manifested. Thank You for reminding me that in every negative situation, You are the answer. Help me to stand on this truth, experience Your hand in my life, and be a testimony to You. I pray in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen!
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