For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock. Psalm 27: 5
Loving Father, thank You so much for Your mercies toward us. As we enter the study of Your Word, guide us into Your saving truth, for Christ’s sake. Amen
Today, our promise is taken from a well known Psalm of David. As in the Psalm of Moses, once again we hear undertones of protection, security, refuge (hide, secret place). We seem to always have a need to feel protected. It is as if we realize that we are in constant danger; and we are. All around us there are threats to our well-being. It is only because of the constant watchcare of God’s holy angels that our lives have been saved from disaster (Psalm 34: 7).
David had seen many “times of trouble.” Obviously, he realized that as long as we are alive, we will be in danger. Should this realization cause us anxiety? It would be the natural reaction, if we had to face these dangers, seen, and unseen, alone. But thanks be to God, we do not have to! And this is the message that is enclosed in this Psalm, and in a special way, in our verse for today. David does not express uncertainty about what will happen, when trouble stikes. He already knows where he will find refuge. Like a good, loving, responsible, parent, God will hide His child until the danger is past.
His secret place will become our refuge. Remember we studied some months ago about “the secret place of the Most High?” We saw this as the place of safety and protection from demonic forces. While we live on planet earth, we must not lose sight of the fact that our world is involved in a cosmic battle between good and evil. This truth is further emphasized by verses such as Ephesians 6: 12, 13: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” We have seen some of these texts before. They are there to remind us that we are not victims, at the mercy of the evil one. We have a place of protection.
“He shall set me high upon a rock.” There the floods cannot reach us, and our feet will not slip. Standing upon the Rock of our salvation we can look down upon our enemies. From a safe place, high above the hustle, and bustle, and dangers of the world, we shall see the salvation of the Lord, and shall be satisfied.