Table of Contents
Embracing the Shelter of the Almighty
Psalm 91:1-2 (NKJV) reveals an intimate haven that devout believers yearn to dwell within – the secret place of the Most High. Once we find this sanctuary, we are promised the privilege of dwelling under the protective shadow of the Almighty. In Matthew 23:37, Jesus beautifully depicts the essence of this secret place. He laments the people of Jerusalem for disregarding His Father’s promise of protection by saying, “How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.” This powerful analogy paints a vivid image of refuge and warmth.
To further illustrate, an analogy of a farmer sifting through the ruins of a fire comes to mind. Amongst the ashes, he discovers the charred remains of a hen. As he reaches out to move it, he is startled to find baby chicks alive and untouched underneath their mother’s carcass, sheltered from the destructive flames.
The Quest for the Secret Place
While the secret place of the Most High offers divine protection, many believers remain unaware of its existence. Why is this sanctuary elusive? Is it solely reserved for those with unwavering faith or those who flawlessly demonstrate love in every aspect of their lives? Though possessing great faith and walking in love are essential for a victorious Christian life, they are the “fruit” of our relationship with the Lord. To access the secret place, we must first establish our “root” in the right soil. Hebrews 4:11 instructs us on the location of this place: “Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” This “rest” of God signifies the secret place of the Most High.
Entering the Rest: The Gateway to the Secret Place
So, how do we gain entry into this rest? Psalm 91:2 provides the key: “I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!'” There is only one way to access God’s rest, and that is by placing unwavering confidence in His love for us. When we boldly declare, “God, You are my refuge and fortress – I trust in You,” we enter into a refuge that is unshakable. A fortress, by definition, represents a “permanent stronghold.” Once we wholeheartedly trust in God’s love and believe without a shred of doubt that He will see us through any difficulties we face, we can enter into that place of rest. Instead of striving to figure things out on our own, we shift into a state of trusting the Holy Spirit to lead us one step at a time, guiding us through every challenge. It is in relinquishing our efforts and relying solely on His power that we truly enter His rest.
The Demands of God’s Rest
Yet, it is crucial to recognize that entering God’s rest is not for the faint-hearted. Hebrews 4:11 urges us to “labor” in our pursuit of rest. It is the only instance in the Bible that requires us to work in order to receive something from God. This endeavor demands unwavering resolve. Distractions, discouragements, and disappointments will undoubtedly arise along the path to the secret place. However, the key to accessing God’s rest lies in Hebrews 3:1 and Hebrews 12:3, which urge us to “consider” Jesus. As we shift our focus away from ourselves and the challenges we face and place it solely on Jesus, the path to the secret place – the place of absolute rest – becomes crystal clear. Reminding ourselves that it has always been about Him and will forever be about Him, all that remains is for us to simply rest.
Affirming God’s Refuge
Psalm 91:1-2 (The Message) beautifully encapsulates our declaration: “GOD, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!” When we truly embrace this affirmation, we experience the profound peace that flows from being securely nestled within the Most High’s secret place.
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