Under Cover

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalms 91:1 KJV)

Hopefully, some of us have wonderful images of being tucked into bed by our parents while hearing the adoring words “get under the covers”. It is warm, safe and comforting under the covers. Or, perhaps hearing the words “under the covers” conjures up images of being snuggled up under the protection of a strong father, or being nestled under the arms of a caring mother. Or, if you think of it as a compound word (undercover), you might have thoughts of secret agents working undercover and disguised so the enemy will not know who they are. However you look at it being undercover protects you – sometimes from the cold; sometimes from the enemy.

The poetic writer of the sacred 91st psalm paints a desirable picture of being under the covering of a passionate and powerful God. The metaphor of being under the covering of God offers the imagery of being sheltered and protected from the calamities of life. Old Testament scholar, Walter Breuggemman says the unknown author of the psalm writes in a testimonial style. In other words, he speaks from experience and not mere theory as evidenced by use of the personal pronoun “my” in verse two of the psalm: “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: myGod; in him will I trust.”

What an awesome proclamation! How marvelous to be able to declare that God is yours and to know for yourself that the safest place to be at all times is under God’s covering. The writer’s use of the imperfect tense for the word dwell indicates that he had more than a single encounter with the Almighty. He dwelt with God all the time and felt secured and assured under cover.

The writer describes God’s dwelling station as a secret place: the secret place of the Most High (91:1). Some might argue that the secret place referenced here is the same one defined in Psalm 27:5, “For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me upon a rock.” At that time the secret place was the tent or tabernacle of God (like the church). It was not only a place of worship but also a place of protection or refuge from one’s enemy (see Proverbs 18:10).

For some the church house is indeed that secret place. For others it may be the mountainside. And still for others it may be a mental space. Old folks referred to the secret place as the prayer closet. It’s not the locations that matter. The important thing is that our secret places provide intimacy with God, peace and quietness under the covering of God, and protection from life’s stuff. When we emerge from our secret places our proclamations and boasting should be that our God is an awesome God: our refuge, our fortress, our shelter and our covering in times of trouble and triumphant.

That special place to which we go to meet with God can, and perhaps should, remain secret. So, keep it a secret if you must but never hesitate to dwell in that secret place of God for there you shall abide under the shadow, under the protection, under the covering of the Almighty.

Prayer: Lord all my life you have covered and protected me from dangers seen and unseen. Even when I was naive and unaware of your providential care you were looking out for me. And now that I know you have been sheltering me, I will say to all that you are my Lord, my refuge, my fortress and my God (Psa. 91:2). I will forever trust you and I will always thank you for keeping me under cover! In Jesus Name. Amen

God's peace and Good journey!
+t.anthony bronner