One of the popular scriptures in the Bible is Psalm 91. It is such an encouraging Psalm and a reminder of God’s faithfulness to protect and deliver His children in times of trouble. The confidence of the Psalmist is that of one who has experienced God’s unfailing love over and over again, hence has no reason to doubt when faced with fear and trouble.
He starts by saying, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty”. He then goes on to say, “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust…”.
The picture we are given here is of a confident, overcoming believer, who often dwells in God’s presence. Growing up in Ghana, I often saw how free-range hens protected their chicks from predators. They would spread their wings and bend over their chicks. Sometimes you would find one wondering chick that is unaware of danger, but when it sees the posture of its mum (the hen), it immediately runs as fast as it can to the safety under her wings. Ultimately, the safest chicks are the ones closest in the shadow of their mum and the safety of her covering.
As Christians, we are being reminded to regularly enter that secret place and dwell in God’s presence. In His presence and under His covering, the storms of life will rage, and although we may hear it or even feel it’s force, we will be covered. We are reminded to stay close and not wonder off because similar to the chick, our confidence is not in ourselves but in the Lord. Sometimes we may have to press on in against the battering storms into God’s presence, but when we get there we are rewarded with peace that surpasses understanding and hope that looks beyond the present fears and challenges. But how do we enter that secret place? It is through a lifestyle of prayer, worship and a relationship with God through Christ.
If you feel distant from God, my encouragement is to press on into His presence. If you are gripped by fear and worry, press on into His presence. If you are perhaps unwell both mentally and physically, press on into His presence. However, it is always better to make His presence your dwelling place, than to be forced there by troubles.
Be encouraged in knowing that God loves you and cares for you.
Blessings,
Chris Eke
