Dwelling in the Secret Place
Text: Psalm 91:1-16
The secret of a growing, victorious, joyful Christians is in their secret place. Some refer to it as their quiet time. Our performance in the years to come depends on how well we guarded our quiet time. Somebody says that the first step of backsliding is in not having or maintaining a quiet time.
What happen when we dwell in the secret place?
I. TRUST is developed v.2, 4a
A great truth laid down in general, that all those who live a life of communion with God are constantly safe under his protection, and may therefore preserve a holy serenity and security of mind at all times.
He that dwells, that sits down, in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty; he that by faith chooses God for his guardian shall find all that in him which he needs or can desire. It is good to have a quiet spirit trusting God in all our cares. 1Pet. 5:7; Ps. 55:22.
II. TRUTH is revealed v.4b
Jesus is the truth (John 14:6). We can only know the truth if we meditate the Word of God for Jesus Himself is the Word of God (John 1:1,14).
The truth shall set you free – free from doubt, discouragement, fear, pride, strife, vain glory, etc.
Truth just like O.T. manna, it must be gotten on a daily basis as the Bible said in Matt 4:4 “…It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Some truths are easily forgotten, we need a daily reminder.
II. TERROR is taken v.5-12
Terrors talk about problems, hardships, trials and difficulties in life.
Feathers and wings in v.4 represent strong comfort against our enemies as we dwell in our secret place.
His truth shall be thy shield and buckler, a strong defence. God is willing to guard us as the bird is willing to guard her chicks.
IV. TEMPTATION is overcome v.13-14
Temptation says, `Do this pleasant thing; do not be hindered by the fact that it is wrong.' Trial or proving says, `Do this right and noble thing; do not be hindered by the fact that it is painful.' Everyday, Satan is tempting us to do wrong or go wrong. We need to pray everyday in our quiet time – lead us not into temptation.
Let us not think that we can overcome our fleshly nature. We cannot. That is God's business. He does it by letting us come to Him and seek His faithful help. He never refuses when asked. Temptation is overcome only if we dwell in him.
V. TRIUMPH will come v.15-16
Exaltation and promotion always comes from God– Ps. 75:6. It comes through humility - Pet. 5:6; James 4:10; But those who seek humility, who try to find humility for its own sake, will never find it. Because humility, like joy and like unity, is elusive when it is sought for its own sake. Humility is a by-product of a focus, off of ourselves and on to our Source. It comes automatically when we get our minds on Jesus Christ as we dwell in the secret place.
And when we start focusing our eyes on him, when we turn our eyes upon Jesus, and we look full in his wonderful face, then the things of this earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.
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