Psalm 91 (READ)
Introduction:
Where do we live as Christians? That is, where do we live spiritually in relationship to our Lord?
Do we live in the world? Do we live in the border land between the world and God’s county? Do we try to live for the best of both worlds? Do we live in the land of fellowship with God & His people? This is a wonderful and happy place to live!
Or, are we one of the few saints who live in the secret place of the Most High? I see this as a special place; a place where only a chosen few of God’s elect ever dare to dwell. This is the special of all special places. This is the most blessed of the blessed habitations. This is the most holy of holy places on earth where saints may dwell.
This morning we want to consider two thoughts concerning the secret place of the Most High. First we will consider some of the attributes of the secret place of the Most High; and secondly we will consider some of the attributes of the inhabitants of the secret place of the Most High.
1. Some of the attributes of the secret place
of the Most High:
1) The secret place of the Most High is a place of special proximity to the Lord (Verse 1).
Under the shadow of the Almighty implies a special place near to the heart of God. It signifies the continual watch care of El Shaddai; or the Almighty God. Those under the shadow are never out of His immediate sight. They are never left to the desire of their enemies. The are never left to the harsh elements of the curse. They are not left out in the heat or cold, or in hard trials and tribulations.
2) The secret place of the Most High is a special place of safety (Verse 2).
In His secret place, God is their refuge or hiding place from every trouble and fear. He is their fortress; they are protected on every side by His infinite mercy, love, and grace. They are safely sheltered in the camp of the Lord’s heavenly host. He is their sovereign, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent God. Nothing or no one can harm them that are in His mighty hand.
3) The secret place of the Most High is a special place of deliverance (Verse 3).
He delivers them from the snare of the fowler, or from the catcher of birds. That is, He delivers them from their enemies who plot and scheme to catch God’s people, and bring them into bondage. He also delivers them from the perilous and deadly pestilence. These are the plagues and diseases that befall mankind because of sin. Only a few of God’s people it seems, are protected from the universal consequences of sin. But those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High are delivered from all their enemies.
4) The secret place of the Most High is a special place of divine love and comfort (Verse 4).
The feathers of God speak of His special loving care that He has for His special people. Under His wings they are lovingly kept from the desire of their enemies. None would dare try stealing them out from under His wings of sovereign favor. His truth also shields them from the attacks of their enemies. With His truth they are able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
5) The secret place of the Most High is a special place of peace and calm assurance (Verses 5-6).
He gives them peace and calm assurance from:
1. The terror that comes by night (wicked criminals that do their evil by night).
2. The arrow the flies by day (wars, and all bold enemies that assail in the day).
3. The pestilence that walketh in darkness (terrorism).
4. The destruction that lays waste at noonday (9-11).
In the secret place of the Most High there is peace and calm assurance from all these dreadful things that people so fear today, even in our great nation.
6) The secret place of the Most High is a special place of favor (Verse 7-8).
Even in the midst of terror and destruction, there is favor for those in the secret place. The Lord fights for them and they see no harm come, but their eyes only see the destruction of their enemies.
7) The secret place of the Most High is a special place of angelic protection (Verse 11-12).
Of course this Psalm is Messianic, and speaks of Christ during His first advent. But there is also a special sense in which the angels protect God’s chosen people, especially those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High.
8) The secret place of the Most High is a special place of victory (Verse 13).
Did you ever notice that some believers seem to always be defeated?
But in the secret place of the most high there is victory over the greatest of adversaries. The lion, serpent, and dragon all speak of Satan and His evil kingdom. Those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High will have special victories over the kingdom of darkness in their efforts to advance God’s kingdom.
9) The secret place of the Most High is a special place of answered prayer and honor (Verse 15).
Saints who dwell in the secret place have special power with God in prayer. God is with them to hear and answer them in a way that He is not with others. He not only hears them and delivers them, but He also honors them. What a wonderful thought, to be honored of God!
10) The secret place of the Most High is a place of long life and salvation complete (Verse 16).
2. Some of the attributes of the inhabitants of
the secret place of the Most High.
1) These saints have chosen to dwell in the secret place of the Most High (Verse 9).
It seems that most of God’s people don’t want to live near to the Lord. They are satisfied to live in God’s land where the faithful saints dwell, or in the border land between the world and God’s country, or even in the world. Very few saints desire to dwell near to the heart of God, in the secret place of the Most High.
2) Secondly, these saints have a special love for the Lord (Verse 14 first part). (This is the Lord speaking in this verse.)
We know that we love Him because He first loved us. But there are a special few who have a love for the Lord that surpasses that of other saints. If we would dwell in the secret place of the Most High, then we must love the Lord supremely. We must love Him more than family; more than children and spouse; more than mother and father. Our love for Him must far exceed our love for these.
3) Thirdly, these saints have a special knowledge of the Lord’s Name (Verse 14; second part).
They know His name by meditation upon His Word. His Word is preeminent in their lives, and they give themselves to studying it. They know His Name in prayer. They call upon His Name often in thanksgiving, and to ask Him for His mercy and help in their lives. They know His Name in praise and worship. Their lives are dedicated to praising and worshipping the Name of the Lord. They give glory to His Name through His prescribed means of worship, which is His local, New Testament Church. They love His Church and are faithful to it.
Conclusion:
The secret place of the Most High is a most desirable place. The world is a dangerous and wicked place; and its getting worse every day. The secret place of the Most High provides care and protection that surpasses all other dwelling places this side of eternity.
To obtain unto the secret place of the Most High we must desire it; and we must choose it as our dwelling place. And in order to choose it, we must love the Lord supremely. Finally, we must have a special knowledge of the Name of the Lord.
Are you saved this morning? Have you trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? There is no dwelling in the secret place of the Most High until you repent of your sins, and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ; that He died for your sins, that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day for you. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. After you become a believer, then it may be your place to dwell in the secret place of the Most High.