Dwelling in the Secret Place: God’s Promises of Protection and Peace (Part 2)
Discover the Deliverance and Faithfulness Found in Psalm 91
Psalm 91 continues to be a rich source of hope, strength, and assurance for those who choose to abide in the presence of God.
I remember a season in my early 30s when I clung to these words. During a particularly challenging time, I felt surrounded by uncertainty, many life changes, and fear. I honestly didn’t know how things would work out.
It was as though the weight of the world pressed heavily on my shoulders, and at times, I wasn’t sure how I would keep standing. Psalm 91 became an anchor.
I would speak verse 1 aloud, reminding myself that God's presence was my refuge, my hiding place. The words brought a peace that surpassed understanding, and I found myself strengthened to face each day.
I share this because I know how powerful this psalm can be when it moves from the page into the very center of our being.
Life can often feel like standing at the edge of a vast sea of uncertainty—its depths unknown, its waves unpredictable. Yet, just as the horizon promises the rising sun, faith reminds us that beyond the unknown lies purpose, direction, and hope
A Promise and an Invitation
In Part 1, we examined the foundational invitation and promise in verses 1 and 2. These verses reveal that abiding in the Secret Place of the Most High requires intentionality and trust.
It is a choice—a daily decision to live in intimacy with God.
Now, in Part 2, we dive into the next section of this powerful psalm, where God's promises of deliverance and protection are vividly described. Before we move forward, let's briefly review the truths from the first two verses.
Verse 1: The Secret Place
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
—Psalm 91:1 (NKJV)
This verse establishes the conditional nature of God's protection. Unlike universal promises such as salvation or reconciliation with God through faith in Jesus Christ, the promises of Psalm 91 are for those who choose to dwell in the Secret Place.
The Secret Place is not a physical location but a spiritual state—a place of deep communion with God where we are shielded. It offers security, not by removing all difficulties, but by sustaining us with His presence in the midst of them.
Verse 2: Personalizing the Promise
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.
—Psalm 91:2 (NKJV)
Embrace the promises of Psalm 91—arms wide open, heart surrendered, and spirit lifted toward the One who is your refuge, your fortress, and your faithful deliverer.
Make it Personal
Here, the psalmist shifts to a personal declaration of faith. The repeated use of "I" and "my" reminds us to make God's promises personal. Faith requires action, and this verse challenges us to speak out who God is and what He means to us.
As mentioned in Part One, the psalmist also uses four Hebrew Names for God—Elyon (Most High), Shaddai (Almighty), Yahweh (Lord), and Elohim (God). Each name reveals a unique aspect of God's character, demonstrating both His majesty and His intimate care. These names invite us into a deeper reverence and intimacy with Him, reminding us that He is both the Sovereign ruler of all creation and our personal protector and provider.
This declaration draws us closer into the Secret Place—a sacred space of trust and surrender. Here, as we rest in the shadow of the Almighty, God's promises begin to unfold, not just as distant truths but as living realities that transform our lives.
Are You Ready? Let’s Continue.
Verse 3: Delivered from the Snare and Pestilence
Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. —Psalm 91:3 (NKJV)
The psalmist now begins to list the specific dangers from which God delivers us. These include both physical and spiritual threats, emphasizing God's active role in our protection.
The Snare of the Fowler
A fowler's snare is a carefully placed trap, often hidden and deceptive, designed to capture its prey. Spiritually, it represents the enemy's schemes to ensnare us in sin, fear, or distraction.
The enemy personalizes his traps, tailoring them to our specific vulnerabilities. He works through our worldliness (desires) and our weaknesses.
Our three enemies are the flesh, the world, and the devil (kingdom of darkness). The only place we are free from all three is within the secret place.
For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. —John 2:16 (NKJV)
These snares may include:
Fear and worry: Subtle yet powerful forces that erode our trust in God.
Pride: The belief that we can handle life on our own, apart from God.
Legalism: A rigid focus on rules that neglects the heart of God.
Worldly distractions: Ambitions or pleasures that pull us away from God's purposes.
Strategy: We must remain alert to the snares of the enemy. Every move matters and discernment in the spiritual battle ensures we stand victorious in Christ.
Consider the story of King David. He defeated Goliath, an external enemy, with courage and trust in God, but fell into sin with Bathsheba due to an unchecked internal weakness.
Isn't it true that we can often handle the "giants" in our lives, such as significant challenges or external opposition while neglecting the subtle, internal struggles that can lead us astray?
I've seen this pattern in myself and others—moments where the outward victories overshadow the need for inward vigilance.
David's story reminds us to guard against the "giants within" by inviting God to search our hearts and reveal areas of vulnerability.
The Secret Place is the only refuge where we are safe from these snares. When we dwell in God's presence, He gives us the discernment to recognize the enemy's traps and the strength to overcome them.
Reflection: What snares has the enemy used against you? How can you stay vigilant and rooted in God's presence?
You’re Invited
This is your invitation to step into the Secret Place—where peace replaces chaos, hope rises, and God’s presence becomes your greatest treasure.
The Perilous Pestilence
The Hebrew words for perilous pestilence (havvah and deber) describe a rushing calamity—something sudden and devastating. While this can refer to physical sickness, it also symbolizes spiritual attacks, emotional turmoil, and unseen forces.
Pestilence often strikes without warning, much like spiritual warfare. Fear, anxiety, and despair can creep into our lives and attempt to overwhelm us. Yet God's promise stands firm: He shall deliver you.
God's deliverance is not passive.
It is an active, powerful intervention that shields us from harm. Even when we cannot see a way out, God's hand moves to protect and sustain us.
Reflection: When have you experienced God's deliverance in overwhelming situations?
Verse 4: Covered and Shielded by His Truth
He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. —Psalm 91:4 (NKJV)
Covered by His Feathers
The imagery of feathers and wings symbolizes God's nurturing care. This verse reveals both the tenderness and the power of God's protection.
The Hebrew word for cover (sakak) means to make inaccessible, to hedge in, or join together, like a fortress that cannot be breached. If we are truly joined together with the Almighty in the secret place, what could possibly break through to reach us?
Picture a mother hen gathering her chicks under her wings. She doesn't chase them down but calls to them. The chicks must choose to run under her protection. Jesus echoes this same imagery in Matthew 23:37, where He laments over Jerusalem's unwillingness to come under His care.
Are we willing to come under God's wings,
or are we trying to face life's challenges alone?
When facing difficult times, we are often tempted to handle things on our own (or is that just me). But if we pause and get still long enough, we will feel God's gentle nudge reminding us to lean on Him instead of striving in our own strength.
We all face this choice—to trust in His care or to carry the weight alone.
Shielded by His Truth
God's truth is described as both a shield (tsinnah) and a buckler (cocherah):
Shield: A large, full-body shield that defends against major attacks.
Buckler: A smaller, arm-worn shield used for precise, close-range protection.
This dual imagery reminds us that God's Word is sufficient for every battle—whether it is an overwhelming assault or a subtle attack. His truth is both our defense and our weapon.
Reflection: How are you using God's Word to shield your heart and mind daily?
Verses 5–6: Fearless in the Secret Place
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. —Psalm 91:5–6 (NKJV)
These verses address the fears we face in every moment:
Nighttime terrors: Hidden dangers or internal struggles like anxiety and spiritual oppression.
Daytime arrows: Visible, intentional attacks like criticism or conflict.
Pestilence in darkness: Invisible forces of spiritual wickedness.
Destruction at noonday: Sudden, public calamities that leave devastation in their wake.
God's promise is clear: We do not have to be afraid.
I'll never forget a night when fear gripped me back in 2009.
I was overwhelmed with uncertainty about the future, and no amount of rationalizing could calm my racing thoughts.
And then I heard, "You shall not be afraid." It wasn't just a command—our heavenly Father was inviting me into the calm of His presence.
As I began to settle my heart and mind, meditating on those words, the fear subsided, replaced by a deep peace and assurance that God was with me.
His promises are not just words; they are living truths that have the power to dispel even our darkest fears. His presence fills us with peace, even when fear and danger surround us.
Reflection: What fears do you need to surrender to God today?
In the quiet of prayer, I surrender my uncertainties to God, trusting that His plans are greater than my fears and His light will guide my path.
Verses 7–8: Witnessing God's Justice
A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look and see the reward of the wicked. —Psalm 91:7–8 (NKJV)
These verses paint a vivid picture of God's supernatural preservation. Imagine standing in the middle of overwhelming chaos—arrows flying, enemies falling, destruction looming—yet remaining untouched.
It's an extraordinary promise of protection that defies natural logic, pointing to the power of God's presence for those who trust Him.
Many scholars believe this passage references the Exodus, where the Israelites witnessed God's justice against the Egyptians during the plagues. While devastation surrounded them, God's people were sheltered under His divine care.
Today, this promise offers hope during times of great uncertainty. When life feels like a battlefield, and the odds seem stacked against us, Psalm 91 assures us that we are not alone. God's protection surrounds us, and His justice will prevail.
Think of times when the challenges in your life seemed insurmountable. Perhaps you were in a financial crisis, facing a health crisis, or enduring relational conflicts. Yet, somehow, God carried you through.
God's faithfulness sustains us, even when we can't see the whole picture.
Reflection: Are you standing firm in faith, trusting that God's justice and protection will see you through the trials surrounding you?
Anchored in Hope
Psalm 91 is more than a promise—it's a call to action. It invites us to abide in the Secret Place, trust in God's Word, and live with the assurance that His protection and presence are always with us.
Step Deeper into His Promises
Psalm 91 is not just a poetic promise—it's an invitation to a life of trust, peace, and supernatural assurance in God's presence.
Think about the areas in your life where you long to see God's faithfulness and protection manifest. What step of faith can you take today to dwell more deeply in His Secret Place? Whether it's spending more time in prayer, meditating on His Word, or surrendering a specific fear or burden, He is waiting to meet you there.
Let this journey inspire you to step boldly into all that God has for you, knowing that His faithfulness never fails.
Reflection Question: How has this deeper understanding of Psalm 91 strengthened your faith?
For me, studying Psalm 91 has been powerfully transformative. Every time I return to its words, I am reminded of God's unwavering faithfulness and protection. In seasons of uncertainty and fear, this psalm has been a source of peace, grounding me in His promises. It's taught me to trust Him more deeply, to dwell in His presence, and to find courage even when the path ahead seems unclear.
What about you? How has God used this psalm to encourage and strengthen your walk with Him? Are you ready to step fully into the Secret Place and experience God's promises?
This psalm doesn't end here. Join us for Part 3 as we uncover the triumphant conclusion of Psalm 91, where we'll dive into God's promises of angelic intervention, long life, and ultimate victory.
