By: Scott Ward, Edited by: Emily Hellman
« Back to Devotions PageHe who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the almighty. --Psalm 91:1 (NKJV)
Upon reading this scripture as an assignment for a class I took at Andrews University, the word “secret” really stuck out in my mind. I’ve contemplated scripture a lot and I think learning to do this on the run is critically important to keeping God on one’s mind at all times. So, as I headed across campus to pick something up at the bookstore, I began to ponder the word “secret”.
A “secret” place is not easy to find. We must be intentional about the endeavor, and desire it above all else. This is a foreign concept in our fast food, quick and ready culture. As I left the bookstore the air was chilly. I had considered sitting for a while to continue my inner questionings, but opted to continue at a, somewhat, brisk pace to combat the cold. Along my way I saw a chipmunk busily working away, preparing for the cold, barren months ahead, and I wondered where his secret places might be. High up in a tree? Under a rock? Maybe in in one of the gutters on the James White Library? I’m sure he’s stashed his loot somewhere that only he can find. Do we act the same as the chipmunk? Hoarding away our profits for ourselves. Always looking out for “number one”.
Then, my path crossed with that of a baby rabbit hopping nervously about. Was he looking for a “secret” place? Somewhere safe for him to hide away from the dangers and turmoils of this life? Don’t we need that very thing, as well?
I kept walking, but not even two steps later, I found something that made my heart sink. A blue robin’s egg laid before me on the sidewalk. It was broken open and I could see the tiny corpse that laid within. That little bird’s life was cut short because it’s parents could not protect it in their “secret” place.
Life can be overwhelming at times, but there is always somewhere we can turn, a “secret” place we can hide. And this “secret” place will never be torn away from us, this place will never be destroyed. When we seek God’s “secret” place, he promises that we will find it, and it is there that our sins can be forgiven and our souls can be renewed.
- What secrets do you hold in your life?
- What secrets do you think God wants to share with you?
- What secret would you like God to tell you about when you get to heaven?
- How can you help others to trust less in their secrets and more in God’s?
