He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow Of the Almighty.

~Psalm 91:1 NKJV

During the spring of 2020, I felt the Lord extend an invitation for me to dwell in His secret place under His wings. At that time, the world shook as the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the earth, creating waves of fear and terror. That April, the Lord drew me away every morning to meditate on Psalm 91 and examine how what that psalm offered differed from what the world portrayed.

Dwelling in Fear

Most people were dealing with the terror that television news programs and radio talk shows stirred up by closing their doors and locking down to keep the virus from spreading. But this scripture talked about having peace in our hearts instead.

As I meditated on this scripture every morning, God’s peace enveloped me. However, I still followed the strict lockdown rules. In fact, the night before the lockdown guidelines began, I applied anointing oil to the top and sides of our home’s front door. The next day, I joined others in wearing masks and latex gloves to protect myself, my family, and others as I went to grocery stores or ran errands around town.

Yet, even as I took those extra precautions, I didn’t fear. I knew that the Lord loved me and would protect me and my family. Doing so was in His nature. 

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing … If you abide in Me, and my words abide in you, whatever you ask what you desire, and it will be done for you. 

~John 15: 5-7 NKJV

I sat with the Lord during my quiet time in order to dig deeper into that first verse to examine the meaning of what it meant to “dwell in the secret place.” I looked up different definitions of the word dwell. The words “abide, rest, and stay” came up often.

Dwelling in Faith

As I looked at it further, I felt sure that dwelling meant the same as abiding in Jesus. Abiding and dwelling mean we live in Christ–close to His and the Father’s heart. As we do, we become entangled with His Spirit. Thus, we find our home. And there we find He moves to protect and care for us. He stands up for us, just as a Father or Bridegroom does to protect His own.

Think of ways you can enter into that place of abiding or dwelling with Jesus. Then, reflect on how you can grow in your level of trust that God will care for you. 

Dear Father, help me to trust in You as I seek to be at home with You and close to Your heart. Heal my heart where I have placed barriers to keep me from trusting You daily. Thank You, Jesus. In Your name, amen.          

 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: Dwelling: Elizabeth Zacharias: All Rights Reserved

.