The focus for most people right now is the Coronavirus pandemic. We can tune in at just about any hour to count the numbers of new cases, to hear the reminders for social distancing, and to take in the somber predictions of what the next few weeks might hold. Some of us have friends and family who are serving on the frontlines or who have succumbed to this new disease. The widespread grief is beyond description for some. But I wonder if many of our neighbors, friends, and coworkers were already experiencing anxiety, illness, financial woes, or family conflicts before they were bombarded with the news of Covid-19. I wonder how many of those same people are even more affected by this threat to “normal life” because of the compounded stress of the other monumental problems they were already battling. Some of our nurse and doctor heroes were already barely standing up under the weight of the troubles they were carrying before they were called to this war. Our prayers to Almighty God are so important right now!
Psalm 91 tells us of a “secret place”. It’s a place where we can dwell in our loving and all-powerful God’s shadow. As we run to the secret place, we will find refuge and a fortress. God’s Holy Spirit is in us and with us at all times, but when we intentionally and faithfully seek to shelter in the secret place, He enables us to trust that He will be with us. Through the fires. Through the torrents of fears that seek to destroy us. His personal comfort is unlike any other comfort. He promises to hear us as we call upon His name. He is our Hope and our Rock. In the secret place He assures of His promises to never leave us, to give us His strength when we are weak and hurting, and to carry us through whatever valley we are called to walk through.
This is undeniably an intense and challenging time in our lives. For some, it’s tougher than anyone knows or suspects. We can help lift the burdens of those who feel that they are not going to make it. But first, we must run to the secret place to be fueled and infused with the peace, love, and strength that our God wants to give us. Then we can pray and serve and encourage those that He puts in our path. I’m running to the secret place where I can be alone with the One who is in control of all things. Will you do the same?
Psalm 91:1-2 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.”
Psalm 145:18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.
Listen to this song by Phil Wickham called "The Secret Place".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wnf4X86iylY