Psalms 91:1 says, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Also, Psalms 27:5 declares, “For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.”
Where do we take refuge when facing difficult or distressing times?
Some might crawl under the bed covers while others busy themselves until completely exhausted. Others find themselves in dark places or in sinful relationships all for a moments relief. Some bury themselves in reading a romance or adventure novel while others simply shut down, saying nothing and going nowhere.
When we don't make the Lord our dwelling place, any refuge outside of Christ can become a prison. And sadly, our refuge will eventually fail and we find ourselves a refugee.
So what do we do in our place of refuge?
Do we make promises not to do the things that caused us and others so much pain? Do we avoid people, places and activities so we don't turn our refuge place into a war zone? Instinctively, we know moving from place to place or creating new relationships or making vows will not avoid problems. For wherever we go or whatever we do, our problems are ever present because the trouble is within our hearts.
At certain times in our lives we may feel like a refugee – rootless, constantly on the move, never feeling quite at home. We look over our shoulders and around every corner for the enemy without while the enemy is really within. Nights are difficult when waking up with a tightness in your chest wondering what tomorrow might bring. Through the night we rehearse failures and mistakes, leaving us troubled and agitated. And with the morning light, it brings a harsh reality to a hopeless world where we yearn for something strong and protective.
Where we most often take refuge is in our minds. Our thoughts can take on a life of its own. We write our own story and the ending which may not be very happy ever after. Still it’s a place where we retreat when faced with life challenges or uncomfortable circumstances. We are the author and editor in our private world safe from harm and danger.
It’s not so much that we “check out” of reality but rather we form our own perception of reality to re-direct or avoid the true issue – what really is going on inside our hearts and minds.
“He dwelleth in the secret place” means to make God’s secret place your home.
Ruth and Rahab were two remarkable women who found grace in the secret place under the wings of the Almighty. Ruth left Moab shortly after the death of her husband to follow Naomi. Rahab, a prostitute who lived in a house on the wall of Jericho was saved after the city and all the inhabitants were destroyed. She and her people were enemies to be destroyed, including her city.
After they were brought out, Ruth from Moab and Rahab from outside the camp after Jericho was destroy, they found a covering of grace. This covering was presented by two men (a type of Christ) who brought them into a place of refuge. Ruth would marry her kinsmen redeemer, Boaz. Rahab married Salmon – possibly one of the spies. As a result, both women entered in the blood line of Christ.
These women left whatever refuge was theirs and embraced the promise of Deuteronomy 6:23, "But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land that he promised on oath to our forefathers." (NIV)
If you have been violated, bruised, crushed by hurtful words, abandoned or rejected, the Lord will help bring you out of your place of shelter and under His wings of grace. He will be your protection and defense from every storm and hateful enemy!
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