May you dwell in the Secret Place of the Most High

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." (Psalm 91, 1)

A week ago I went to Hillsongs London to attend their service in Dominion Theatre. The best was not the music (rather clear for those who know me well;)), but the sermon. Joseph Prince, a pastor from Singapore preached about the verse above. When Sars hit Asia several years ago they did not know what to do about it because they have a 9000 strong congregation with many international visitors. Many suggested to close the church until the virus ceased. But God told them to trust in him and proclaim the said verse. So they gave out cards to everyone with this great biblical truth on it and challenged them to proclaim it every time they leave their houses. And not a single one was infected. (Joseph Prince - Under His Wings, 12 October: http://www.hillsongmychurch.co.uk/index.php/resource-and-giving/podcasts)

He told us about the Ark of the Covenant which was situated in the Holy of Holies in the temple at Jerusalem. Two cherubs are on top of it. Those who protected the entrance to the garden of Eden. The law of Moses was in the Ark. Once a year a priest had to sprinkle blood on the Ark which symbolizes redemption through grace. So the morals were that grace is always higher than the law (let's not fall back in works righteosness!), and that we are protected now "under the shadow of the Almighty". We just have to proclaim it (James 4,2b)!

I did this morning. Since I have moved to London, now about five weeks ago, I had trouble to settle down and consequently to study effectively. I thought I first have to read and when I did the work I would find time for God. But that never worked out well. I could not concentrate while reading and tended to become very tired. So I did not really get anything out of it. It seemed like I forgot everything I read. But this morning I spend some time with God reading his word, talking to him, and proclaiming the aforementioned truth. The result was that although I had a sinusitis and a fever today, I could effectively study for about eight hours because God equipped me with strength, motivation, and self-control (I did not even feel the temptation to check my emails every minute:)).

Thank you, God! May I continue to dwell in your secret place and abide under your shadow!