A Home in Christ
J. A. M. Chapman, D.D. Psalm 91:1-16 He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.… The psalmist has been pierced with the shafts of unkindness, yet he speaks of what he seems perfectly sure when he speaks of his dwelling in the secret place of the Most High, and abiding under the shadow of the Almighty. What is more sweet than this promise? I. THE SECRET PLACE. 1. Some think the secret here spoken of is that intimacy of fellowship which God's children enjoy in communion with Him. 2. Others think it has a more definite or special meaning. To my mind it is certain that the secret spoken of contains a promise and an expectation of the coming Messiah. The Wonderful, named in Isaiah 9, is in the margin rendered "secret." So, in the text, the word rendered secret is connected with the Messiah; then the Christian's hiding-place is in Christ. II. DWELLING IN THIS SECRET PLACE. He that dwelleth, he who has a home, in Christ shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty. Every congregation might be divided into those who make their home in the world and visit Christ, and those who have their home in Christ and visit the world. A home in Christ. Oh, wondrous thought! The psalmist speaks of God as a refuge, a home, an abiding-place. John says, We dwell in Him and He in us. He is in all we have, all we are, and all we hope to be or hope for. You might as well undertake to describe a sunset to the blind or music to the deaf, as to talk of dwelling in Christ to one who has never tasted of the graciousness of the Lord. No man knows this but he who is already in Christ. III. THE PROMISE. He shall abide, etc. When God's love makes a promise, His sovereignty secures its fulfilment. He shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 1. In that shadow the Christian finds protection. We may live and die in its shadow. It is always the same, yesterday, to-day and for ever. 2. There is also refreshment in this shadow. He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High has a perfect home, complete in all that can contribute to its safety, rest, and perfectness. Oh, make the experiment! (J. A. M. Chapman, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. WEB: He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.