"THIS PLACE": Finding Security in the Presence of the Most High

Where do you go when the world feels unstable? Drawing from a powerful spiritual encounter on a flight to Charlotte, C. Atkinson explores the concept of the "Secret Place" found in Psalm 91. Discover how to use the "turbulence" of current events to soar like an eagle, anchored in a salvation that no earthly storm can shake.

C. Atkinson

10/10/20233 min read

“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 (KJV)

Whether you have recently committed your life to Christ or have been a follower for decades, we all recognize that the Christian journey is rarely easy. However, we are promised that the Lord Jesus provides the strength necessary to overcome every obstacle.

In 2018, while boarding a flight to Charlotte, North Carolina, I heard the Lord speak two distinct words to my spirit: “This place.” Immediately, the lyrics to a new song began to take shape:

“This place is where I want to be. This place, oh how You set me free. This place, my God, You are my life. This place, oh how You set me free.”

As I watched the ground crew load baggage from my window seat, the Lord continued: “If you stay in this place, I will take you to places you’ve never dreamed of.” I realized then that “This place” refers to the secret place—the manifest presence of the Lord. It is the only realm where one finds true peace, safety, joy, and unconditional love (Psalm 16:11).

The Lessons of the Eagle

During that flight, the Lord likened the aircraft to an eagle. As a plane reaches its cruising altitude, it often encounters turbulence. Similarly, the eagle—one of the most powerful birds in creation—does not avoid turbulence; it embraces it. The eagle uses the pressure of the storm to launch itself to new heights and incredible speeds.

This is the importance of dwelling in the secret place. Psalm 91 outlines the benefits of this spiritual posture. When we remain in "This Place," we are not merely observing the storm; we are sheltered by God’s protection, empowered by His strength, and sustained by His divine provision.

The Urgency of the Hour

We are living in a pivotal time in history, marked by the prophetic signs mentioned in Matthew 24: wars, earthquakes, and global instability. Most recently, the heartbreaking conflict in Israel and Gaza serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of our world.

In such times, the Lord desires for us to experience His presence—not just as a temporary refuge, but as an eternal dwelling. To enter "This Place," we must adhere to the Plan of Salvation as established in Acts 2:38: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” As my Pastor recently shared from Proverbs 23:23, we must “buy the truth, and sell it not.” Man-made paths may seem right, but they lead to spiritual death (Proverbs 14:12). Only the Word of God remains unshakable.

Fearless in the Face of Turbulence

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 8:38-39 that absolutely nothing—not death, life, angels, nor the powers of hell—can separate us from the love of God. While the world experiences "birth pains," the people of God must not let their hearts be troubled.

If we remain in the secret place, we can declare with confidence: “He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him” (Psalm 91:2). He will cover you with His feathers and protect you with His faithful promises.

JD&L Mission encourages you this week to keep your eyes fixed on the Lord. Work diligently to prove your calling, and you will never fall away (2 Peter 1:10-11). We do not know the hour of His return, but if we abide under the shadow of the Almighty, we are secure for eternity.

A Prayer for the Secret Place

Dear Heavenly Father, We come before You with contrite hearts, acknowledging our need for a Savior. We ask for Your mercy and compassion to wash us clean. We thank You that You do not reject a broken and repentant spirit. Lord, we pray for the peace of Israel and Palestine, and for all those suffering globally. We rebuke the spirits of fear and anxiety in the mighty name of Jesus.

Grant us the grace to be holy in all we do. We pray for the lost, that they may be drawn to Your salvation before Your return. Lord, we will wait upon You, knowing that as we do, You renew our strength. We believe that we shall soar on wings like eagles—running without weariness and walking without fainting. In the precious and Holy name of Jesus, AMEN.