Thoughts on Christian Living Book #2 by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

BENEFITS OF DWELLING IN GOD’S SECRET PLACE

The psalmist wrote, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1. The question is posed: “What is that secret place, and/or where is it, and how does one come to abide in it?” It is a curiosity to many who would ask such a question in hopes of getting a little illumination about it. The following is an attempted answer. What is the place? Why is it secret? How does one live in it? What is the benefit of living there?

The place does not indicate a geophysical location. In fact, “Place” often indicates “Things” or “Mindset.” Ephesians 2:6 states, “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Here, “Places” is better understood as “Things” such as the unity of the church with Christ in the faith once delivered to the saints. An understanding or metaphorical “Place” that is rapturous to contemplate.

It is spoken of as secret because it is still a mystery, hidden away from the world and its Christ rejecting religions. But obedience to His commands nets the born-from-above individual an understanding and joy that remains secretive from carnal minds.

How then does one abide or live in that secret place? It is a matter of being born-from- above, following the Lord in the perpetuated baptism of John the Baptist, then continuing to grow in obedient discipleship in the fellowship of a New Testament church. There is no plateau here. The key idea is expressed by “Continuing.”

The great benefit or blessing of life associated with this marvelous position which the psalmist wrote about is abiding in the shadow of the Almighty. How is that accomplished? It is the sanctified and justified state of the obedient saint. It is the focus of one’s life, and the practicality of that which is mentioned in the paragraph above.

In summation, what the ancient psalmist mentioned in Psalm 91:1 is that blessed possession that each bona fide New Testament church member is to enjoy as a mature son of God. This, as in all the blessedness of God’s rest and goodness of grace upon His children of obedience hinges evermore on the personal relationship one has with God in his own heart and mind through prayer and growth in grace, knowledge, understanding, and the qualities of faith, hope, and love afforded in the gate called strait and the road called narrow.

FOR THOUGHT: God has provided a spiritual place for His children of covenant. It is a joyful, peaceable place, but one that remains secret to those of a carnal mind. Exemplifying the knowledge and spirit of a true Christian is as the shadow likeness of the Almighty. Are you living in that secret place? Are you that shadow of the Almighty?

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