The words of Psalms 91 offer solace and strength: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” But where is this secret place? Is it a physical location, a building, a person? As TD Jakes eloquently explains, the secret place is not a tangible destination, but a spiritual one, found within the Spirit of God.
Entering the Secret Place Through Worship and Trust
Many attend church, yet miss the true essence of worship, mistaking outward motions for genuine spiritual connection. True worship transcends emotions; it’s a spiritual experience that connects us with the divine. This connection leads us to the secret place, a refuge from the storms of life, where worry, depression, and treachery cannot touch us. It’s a secret only because we often fail to walk in the Spirit.
Another key to entering the secret place is trust. Trusting in God isn’t just lip service; it’s a deep-rooted belief, a conviction in our souls that He is in control, even when life throws its hardest blows. Job’s unwavering trust in God amidst unimaginable suffering exemplifies this. He declared, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” This profound trust is what carries us to the secret place, where we find peace even in adversity.
Delivered from the Snares and Plagues of Life
The Psalmist speaks of deliverance from the “snare of the fowler” and the “noisome pestilence.” These metaphors represent the traps and trials that seek to bring us down from our potential, the diseases and afflictions that threaten our well-being. Just as a fowler sets traps to capture birds in flight, the enemy sets traps to hinder our progress and pull us into his domain. We may fall into these traps, but God promises to deliver us. He doesn’t always prevent the snare, but He promises to free us from its grasp.
TD Jakes reminds us that even in the midst of trials, we are not defined by our circumstances. Whether facing sickness, pain, or difficult situations, we can find hope in God’s promise of deliverance. He will pull us out of the snare, heal us from the pestilence, and restore us to wholeness. This deliverance is not a maybe or a hopeful wish, but a sure promise from God.
Sheltered by the Shepherd: Experiencing God’s Unconditional Love
The imagery of a mother bird sheltering her young with her feathers beautifully portrays God’s protective love. He covers us with His wings, shielding us from harm, and declaring to the enemy, “To get to them, you must come through me.” This is the essence of Agape love, God’s unconditional and unwavering love for us. He doesn’t just observe our struggles; He intervenes, fighting our battles and bringing us through the storms.
While others may fall, we remain protected under His care. We may witness the consequences of wickedness, but we are not consumed by it. We can even find the strength to intercede for our enemies, knowing that God’s protection surrounds us.
Finding Healing and Strength in the Secret Place
This message resonates with all who have faced trials and tribulations. Each of us has weaknesses, areas where we are vulnerable to attack. But in those moments of weakness, we are not alone. God is present, offering His strength and comfort. He uses these trials to refine us, to draw us closer to Him, and to reveal the depth of His love.
The secret place is not a place to hide from our struggles, but a place to bring them to God. It is in His presence that we find healing, strength, and the assurance of His unwavering love. He calls us to lay down our pride and arrogance, to surrender our burdens, and to worship Him with all our hearts. In the secret place, we discover that no matter what we face, we are sheltered by the Shepherd.
Conclusion: Embracing the Shelter of God’s Love
No matter the struggles you face, remember that you are not alone. God’s Agape love surrounds you, offering shelter and strength in every storm. Seek the secret place through worship and trust, and experience the transformative power of His presence. Allow Him to heal your wounds, restore your hope, and empower you to overcome every challenge. Embrace the shelter of His love and walk in the confidence that He is with you always.
