Psalms 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
This passage of scripture tells us how we are to live and survive in the dangerous days in which we live, it's by spending quality time in the audience chamber of The Most High God. No mention is made here of any doomsday bunkers, or survival kits, or any of the fortified ranches in remote areas of the country. The Christian's focus is not on survival, but on surrender, and it's only as we spend time on our knees with God, that we are able to avoid the many snares that are laid for the feet of Christians and unbelievers alike.
David experienced this first-hand when he was being hunted like a wild beast by king Saul who was bent on his destruction. With three thousand chosen soldiers, Saul set out to capture David who at this time was humbly depending on God for sustenance and protection from his enemies, and it was during these times of perplexity and fear that he learned his most valuable lessons. David learned the valuable lesson of praying without ceasing, a lesson that many modern day Christians are yet to learn.
However, one day he was cornered in a cave as Saul and his soldiers entered at the mouth, with David and his men trapped inside. What ensued next constitutes a direct interposition of God on behalf of those who make it a habit to spend quality time with Him in the secret place. Let's read:
1st Samuel 24:1 And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi. 2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats. 3 And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave. 4 And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the Lord said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe privily.
This conversation that was carried on in the presence of Saul, and the piece of Saul's garment that was cut off, could only have taken place because of the power of God, who caused Saul and his men to fall into a very deep sleep, and so David was able to make his escape without any harm.
In our day the path of the Christian is beset with many perils, and it is true that we are indeed living in dangerous times, as can clearly be observed by the random acts of senseless violence that have become all too common, not only abroad, but also right here at home. Our defense and our trust should not be in the bearing of arms, for those who put their trust in man-made devices and weaponry will not be able to withstand the ferocity of evil men who according to the Bible are waxing worse and worse. Our only tried and true defense is in the Omnipotent God who sees what we cannot see, and therefore is able to take preemptive steps for the preservation of His people.
Our concern should be the time that is spent in the secret place, the time above all others when in quietness we wait upon God for wisdom, guidance, and discretion, as from day to day, we come across situations that can turn ugly at anytime. We therefore end with a passage of scripture that teaches us the valuable lesson of not trusting in man or to ourselves, but trusting in God who is able to deliver us from dangers, seen and unseen. Let's read:
Jeremiah 17:5 Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. 6 For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. 7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. 8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
We sincerely hope and pray that we may learn to seek God in His secret place, so that we wouldn't become obsessed with issues pertaining to security. "Good night" and God bless!