He That Dwells (I)

He That Dwells (I)

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Bible Reading: Psalm 91

One of the counsels my parents gave me while growing up is to dwell in the presence of the Lord daily. A counsel that resonates with the Psalmist’s determination to ‘…dwell in the house of the Lord forever’ (Psalm 23:6). Our reflection for the next four days will focus on Psalm 91.Psalm 91 is one of the psalms that outline God’s promises to protect, secure, safe and deliver. However, it is based on a certain condition, hence the profound statement that reveal who will enjoy God’s promises as written in the first line: “‘He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High”.

Did you notice that the word dwelleth (which can be written as dwells in present day English) is in present-continuous tense? The decision to dwell in the secret place of the Most Hight is adeliberate choice with implications. It is a decision that starts with believing Jesus Christ’s work of redemption and accepting His love. It involves a commitment to continue to seek God and grow deeper in Him daily.

What does it mean to dwell? The word dwelleth is from the Hebrew word yashab, which means to “sit down, settle, remain, and inhabit”. It means to abide, remain, and live in God. It means to actively live a godly life because to live in God is to dwell in righteousness and holiness. It is a conscious choice. It takes deep fellowship and communication; a concerted effort to walk with Him and abide in Him. Jesus Christ spoke of the same thing but in a different way in John 15:4, ‘Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me’.

Whoever decides to dwell must dwell in the secret place of the Most High. God will shelter His beloved in His secret place. The secret place of the Most High is not for lazy, wicked, and apathetic people. It is a place where not just anybody can access except those who are ready and determined to seek Him. Yes, it will take diligence and hard work, but it is worth it. Dwelling in the secret place of the Most High means that we constantly seek His love, comfort, and protection. God will protect those who want to know Him more and live for Him. Ultimately, the essence of God’s instruction to His people is to bring us to His secret place where we can access His wisdom, power, love, grace, and everything that pertains to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Dear friend, are you dwelling in the secret place of the Most High?

Daily Confession: Lord Jesus help me to dwell in the secret place of the Most High.

Intercessory prayer: May the will of our leaders be lost in the Lord’s.

Hymn: Abide with me! fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide!
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.