Discover the Hidden Power of Psalm 91: Finding Safety in God (Part 1)
Unlocking the Secret Place: Understanding Psalm 91— Promises of Protection, Part 1
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty
– Psalm 91:1 (NKJV)
The Promise of Divine Protection
I remember a night not long ago when the weight of the world seemed unbearable. A family I knew was in turmoil—sickness, financial strain, and spiritual attacks all at once. As I prayed for them, Psalm 91 echoed in my heart. But then the questions came: Lord, why do Your promises of protection sometimes seem distant? Why do believers still face so many challenges?
Not long after that, I went through a challenging time when life felt overwhelming, and I turned to Psalm 91 for comfort. As I read, I found myself questioning, Lord, am I truly dwelling in Your secret place? If so, why do struggles still surround me?
This journey into Psalm 91 became personal. It wasn't just about claiming promises; it was about understanding them deeply and dwelling in the truth of God's Word. What does it really mean to abide in the "secret place of the Most High?" Could this psalm hold the key to living victoriously, even in the storms?
Even in the darkest times, the light of God's presence shines through, guiding us to His peace and protection. No matter how overwhelming the shadows may seem, His light is always near—offering hope, comfort, and the promise of His unfailing love.
Are you in a similar situation, asking all the "why" questions of God?? Keep reading. You are not alone, and His Word has the answers.
Psalm 91 has been a source of hope and strength for generations, yet most of us do not understand the fullness of its promise. I thought I did, but I was mistaken! For many, it becomes a quick prayer for protection, but its depth reveals so much more—God's unshakable promises are tied to our faith and obedience.
In this post, we'll explore what it means to dwell in God's safety and prepare for the spiritual battles ahead. We will also see not only Psalm 91's promises but also its conditions.
Seeking a Deeper Understanding of Psalm 91
As I began studying this Psalm and other Scriptures about healing and protection, I wrestled with a deeper question: Am I missing something in my understanding of God's promises?
I fully believe in the Bible's truth. I've never doubted that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died and rose again, that He raised Lazarus from the dead, that God parted the Red Sea, and that He fed the Israelites with manna from Heaven. I believe Enoch and Elijah were taken up without dying. If the Word says it happened, I believe it—period.
Yet, I had to ask myself an honest question: Do I believe in the fullness of what Psalm 91 promises?
This question lingered in my heart. For those of us who are Christians, who love God but still face sickness, struggles, or dysfunction in our lives—are we somehow not in His secret place? How do we live in such a way that we can experience the full protection this Psalm and the Word of God promises?
I've seen people healed. Healing is a promise. I've helped countless people get deliverance. But I also have been a Christian long enough to know not everyone receives their healing this side of Heaven. God is sovereign, and His ways are higher than ours. I trust Him, even when I don't understand.
I trust Him, even when I don't understand.
Still, I couldn't shake the question: Are we missing something because we aren't abiding in the secret place, or perhaps because we don't stay there consistently?
I believe what is coming to our country (no matter what country you are in)—and globally—will be unlike anything we've experienced.
Think back to 9/11. It was a tragedy that shook our nation here in the US, but it also brought people together. Strangers became united in solidarity. However, with the recent pandemic, the outcome was different. This time, the attack seemed designed to divide and isolate us, sowing fear instead of unity.
As the Body of Christ, we must be prepared for what lies ahead. The only source of truth is God, His Spirit, and His Word. That's where we must begin. Psalm 91 offers us a foundation, but it's only the start of this journey.
Truth is both eternal and, for us, progressive. I hope this post stirs you to dig deeper into Scripture, pray, fast, and seek God's face—not just for what is coming but for how we can be ready and stay ready.
What is coming will shake things. We must be prepared,
not scared—prepared.
Kingdom Protection in Context
The enemy's strategy is clear. Daniel 7:25 warns us: He will speak words against the Most High and try to wear out the saints (ESV).
The phrase "wear out" comes from the Hebrew word (balah), meaning to harass or exhaust through relentless pressure. Many of us feel this deeply—whether through sickness, busyness, financial challenges, spiritual attacks, or even ministry, the enemy's goal is to wear us down until we feel weak and powerless.
Yet Psalm 91 provides the answer: dwelling in God's secret place.
The Hebrew word for "dwell" (yâshab) means to sit, remain, or settle. It isn't about occasional visits to God's presence but making Him your constant refuge. This is not a fleeting moment of faith but a continuous lifestyle of trust and intimacy.
It's not just about our physical safety but about spiritual intimacy. The closer we stay to God, the more His shadow covers us.
Psalm 31:19-20 Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men! You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues (NKJV).
The Foundation of Psalm 91
Psalm 91 opens with both an invitation and a promise:
"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.'"
Let's break this down a bit:
• Dwelling and Abiding: Signify more than a temporary connection. The Hebrew for "abide" (lîyn) conveys the idea of lodging or staying overnight. This tells us that the secret place is not a place to visit when we feel like it; it's a place to dwell permanently.
• Four of the Names of God: The psalmist uses four distinct names for God, each revealing a vital aspect of His character often missed in the English translations:
1. Most High (Elyon): Sovereign and supreme over all.
2. Almighty (Shadday): All-powerful and all-sufficient.
3. The LORD (Yahweh): Covenant-keeping and eternal.
4. My God (Elohim): The triune Creator and Sustainer.
Each name speaks to God's ability to protect, sustain, and guide us, assuring us that His power, faithfulness, and provision are always present. When we dwell in His secret place, we're not just seeking refuge; we're anchoring our lives in the fullness of who He is.
Reread this verse with the names and attributes of God put in.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High, Elyon (Sovereign and supreme over all), shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty, Shadday (All-powerful and all-sufficient). I will say of the LORD, Yahweh (Covenant-keeping and eternal), "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, Elohim, (The triune Creator and Sustainer), in Him I will trust."
Powerful, isn't it?!
A Conditional Promise
The promises of Psalm 91 are extraordinary, but they're not automatic. They are conditional upon our decision to dwell in the secret place.
Jesus beautifully illustrated this in Matthew 23:37, saying: "How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!"
A mother hen spreads her wings to protect her chicks, but they must choose to come under her protection. Similarly, God's shadow only covers those who intentionally draw near to Him. It requires our participation through faith, obedience, and closeness.
"Those who habitually reside in the mysterious presence become possessors of rare and special benefits… Communion with God is safety."
Misconceptions About Psalm 91
Many believers treat Psalm 91 as a magical incantation for protection, quoting it during emergencies without understanding its context and power. But Scripture is not a formula; it's an invitation to relationship.
When we cherry-pick verses without considering their context, we risk missing the fullness of their meaning. For example, praying "no evil shall befall you" (Psalm 91:10) without dwelling in the secret place misunderstands the conditional nature of God's promises.
Facing Struggles While Dwelling in the Secret Place
Even those who dwell in God's presence are not exempt from trials. Paul's life is a testament to this.
For example, in Galatians 4:13–14, he speaks of an illness that disrupted his ministry. Yet, through it, God's power was revealed. Was he outside God's protection? No. His trials allowed God's power to be displayed (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Even those who dwell in God's presence are not exempt from trials. Paul's life is a testament to this.
If Paul had not suffered illness, we would not have received
these truths from his work to the Galatians:
Galatians 2:20— I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 3:28— There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 4:6-7— And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!' Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Galatians 5:16— I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 5:22-23— But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Galatians 6:9— And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Psalm 91 doesn't promise immunity from life's challenges but offers protection in them. As Paul wrote in Romans 8:28, All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (NKJV).
Years ago, I heard a preacher share a story about a farmer that has remained with me. The farmer's barn had caught fire, and when the blaze was finally extinguished, he walked among the ruins to assess the damage. Amidst the ashes, he saw the charred remains of a mother hen. Gently moving her body, he was startled to find her chicks alive beneath her wings—utterly untouched by the flames. The hen had given her life to protect them.
This story captures the power of God's promise in Psalm 91. He offers us the safety of His wings, but like those chicks, we must choose to come under His covering.
More to Come
As we've seen in this first part of this blog series, Psalm 91 is far more than a quick prayer for protection—it's an invitation into intimacy with God and a lifestyle of abiding in His presence.
We've only scratched the surface of this extraordinary psalm, exploring the promises and conditions laid out in its opening verses.
There is so much more to discover. In the next post, we will continue our journey through Psalm 91, delving into its verses and uncovering their profound truths.
How can we prepare for the spiritual battles we face daily?
This exploration of Psalm 91 will be a multi-part series, as its depth and richness cannot be examined in a single post—or even two. I pray that this teaching stirs your heart to dig deeper into God's Word, meditate on His promises, and seek His presence daily.
As you reflect on this post, ask yourself:
Am I truly dwelling in the secret place of the Most High? Am I living under His shadow or merely visiting?
How often do we allow distractions, fear, or pride to keep us from God's presence? Are we abiding in Him daily or just visiting during crises?
Are you using God's Word as a quick fix, or are you immersing yourself in its truth daily?
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we will continue unfolding the treasures of Psalm 91 and discovering God's powerful truths for us in these glorious yet uncertain times.
With Love and Grace,
Cyndi
