HH, Sir Godfrey Gregg D.Div

Psalms 91 starts with the statement, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High.”

With this statement, Psalms 91 makes it clear right from the start whom God will protect.

God protects His people. He will protect those who choose to live with Him and act upon that decision.

While it is true that God can protect anyone whom He wishes, those who constantly live a life close to God will receive special treatment. They can live in peace, serenity, and security because of God’s assurance that they will be protected.

Now, notice, the text says, “He who dwells.” It didn’t say, “He who dwelt” or “He who will dwell.” It is in the present tense. God won’t protect those who stopped dwelling with Him or those who didn’t make the decision yet to be with Him.

It means that the one whom God will protect is someone who actively lives a godly life. The one who decided to be with Him and continues to be with Him.

The word “dwells” came from the Hebrew word yashab, which means to “sit down, settle, remain, and inhabit.”

As you can see, dwelling in God’s presence is a conscious choice. It is something that we decide to do, not out of necessity or grudge, but out of a willing heart.

Dwelling in the secret place of the Most High means that we constantly seek His love, comfort, and protection. God will protect those who want to know Him better and on a deeper level.

Compare that to those people who don’t live a godly life. They expose their lives to many dangers and unnecessary pain and suffering. People who live apart from God may prosper and earn wealth, but they will ultimately experience tragedy in a physical, emotional, and spiritual manner.