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
There are few Psalm in the Psalter that paint such a delightful picture of trust and confidence in God as Psalm 91. It has been used in times of trouble and distress throughout the generations. It is a cheerful song of faith in God and is appropriate whatever the circumstances.
Though the Psalm carries no title or mention of its author, Hebrew tradition ascribes it to Moses, based principally on the many close resemblances between it and Deuteronomy 32 and 33.
To “dwell in the secret place of the Most High” is to have the Almighty for one’s constant companion. “The shadow of the Almighty” to the Jew meant the presence of God in the Holy of Holies, and he entered there vicariously in the person of the high priest on the Day of Atonement. Today because of the work on the cross, all believers can “come boldly” to the throne of grace and thus rest beneath “the shadow of the Almighty”.
The psalmist rejoices in God as his “refuge” the place of security and protection from whence we fight successfully the spiritual warfare. The result of the awareness is an open confession, “I will say of the Lord”, in which the psalmist delights.
We must always remember that God will deliver you from whatever dangers beset you. Let me name a few of them for you!
- “The snare of the fowler”, like a bird, the soul of man is exposed to many dangers, including those that are hidden, such as the snare of the bird-hunter (the fowler). It is a hidden peril from which only God can deliver us.
- “The noisome Pestilence”, leprosy was no doubt the most feared pestilence among the Hebrews, for it suggested to them the curse attached to some sin which had greatly displeased God.
- “The terror by night”, robbers constituted the chief night-time menace.
- “The arrow that flieth by day” probably referred to open warfare.
Let us all remember, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty”. I will say of the He is my REFUGE and my FORTRESS: My God; in Him will I trust.” Much Love.
Because He Is – I Am
Presider
Servant-Leader
