August 5th, 2023
by Dr. Ron Harvey
by Dr. Ron Harvey
We all have giants in our life, don’t we? You may be facing one now. It begs the question: Where can we find the strength to conquer our giants? I like the answers and have found solace in the words of Psalm 91. Here the writer describes how he found protection and power in the face of danger. In his words: “He who dwells in the secret place (shelter) of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust’” (Psalm 91:1-2).
The words “secret place” speak of a quiet, safe place; a sheltered place to have a quiet time. When you face all kinds of gigantic problems, you can still have a quiet heart through a quiet time. You can have a settled heart and find inner strength for your life if you learn to go to the secret place with God. This is your safe space!
How often should you go to a quiet place to be with God? As often as you need. How often is that? At least, daily! More than likely, regularly!
Years ago there was a wonderful Christian woman named Joan Chandler who would bring fresh bread to the church office about once a week. When she showed up with the fresh, hot loaf of bread, everyone on my church staff would come running to get a slice of delicious bread. I was in a staff meeting on one of these occasions, when Joan showed up, and my entire staff evacuated the meeting immediately to go get a slice of heaven. Admittedly, I was right there with them!
I learned back then that fresh bread is always better! Your quiet time with the Lord should be fresh as well! That is why you need bread from heaven today! You need a fresh encounter with God today. Do not rely on what you experienced with God yesterday. That won’t cut it—no matter how you slice it! Dwell in the secret place with God today!
The psalmist calls it resting “in the shadow of the Almighty” (v. 1). When you rest in someone’s shadow, you are close to them. This means: you can be close to the Lord. You can enjoy and experience His presence. You can find strength and rest in this place with Him.
The writer concludes this psalm by sharing God’s response to those who trust in Him: “Because he loves me…I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation” (Psalm 91:14-16).
The secret place is the gigantic secret of the Christian life! This is how we defeat giants! I do not mind sharing this secret with you and you can share it with others. I hope you will!
Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron
The words “secret place” speak of a quiet, safe place; a sheltered place to have a quiet time. When you face all kinds of gigantic problems, you can still have a quiet heart through a quiet time. You can have a settled heart and find inner strength for your life if you learn to go to the secret place with God. This is your safe space!
How often should you go to a quiet place to be with God? As often as you need. How often is that? At least, daily! More than likely, regularly!
Years ago there was a wonderful Christian woman named Joan Chandler who would bring fresh bread to the church office about once a week. When she showed up with the fresh, hot loaf of bread, everyone on my church staff would come running to get a slice of delicious bread. I was in a staff meeting on one of these occasions, when Joan showed up, and my entire staff evacuated the meeting immediately to go get a slice of heaven. Admittedly, I was right there with them!
I learned back then that fresh bread is always better! Your quiet time with the Lord should be fresh as well! That is why you need bread from heaven today! You need a fresh encounter with God today. Do not rely on what you experienced with God yesterday. That won’t cut it—no matter how you slice it! Dwell in the secret place with God today!
The psalmist calls it resting “in the shadow of the Almighty” (v. 1). When you rest in someone’s shadow, you are close to them. This means: you can be close to the Lord. You can enjoy and experience His presence. You can find strength and rest in this place with Him.
The writer concludes this psalm by sharing God’s response to those who trust in Him: “Because he loves me…I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation” (Psalm 91:14-16).
The secret place is the gigantic secret of the Christian life! This is how we defeat giants! I do not mind sharing this secret with you and you can share it with others. I hope you will!
Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron
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