Martha Olawale

“He that dwelleth 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 will I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2

Psalm 91 is one of my favorite Psalms. Growing up, I had to read it multiple times, sometimes daily, because it was also one of my Mum’s go-to Psalms. It’s a Psalm that speaks to the confidence of walking with God. It does not deny the presence of evil; it simply affirms the power and faithfulness of God. It talks about the man who dwells in the secret place of the Most High and his adventure with God.

He is fully aware of God’s presence. He knows that just because he lives under the protection of the Most High does not exclude him from walking through the snare of the Fowler and noisome pestilence. He fights with a thousand on one side and another thousand on the other side. He faces the lion, the adder, and the dragon, yet comes out as a winner because God is with him.

I know a hand that can hold you, a voice that can soothe you, and a place that can hide you. I’ve enjoyed the whispers of Heaven, the cuddles of my Father’s arm, and the shade of His wings enough to know He is faithful. There’s no roar loud enough to drown God or river too deep to overwhelm His presence. No matter where life leads, I know He never leaves nor forsakes His own. You can come with all the baggage that weighs you down and lay it right at the foot of the cross, leaning on Him.

I’ve walked a few miles of discomfort multiple times myself, and the only constant through each battle is the presence of God. Dwelling in His secret place gives you a million edge over the enemy: you’re untouchable. It means your adventure through life will not be alone; the Almighty will be with you, give His angels charge over you, and deliver you. The destiny of the man or woman who dwells under the shadow of the God of Zion is sealed in victory.