Sunday, January 11, 2026

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: DWELL, DO NOT VISIT

THEME SCRIPTURE: “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1)

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. What does it mean to dwell in the secret place of the Most High?

Psalm 91 opens with a condition and a promise. The promise—protection, covering, nearness to God—is compelling. But it is reserved for those who dwell. Not those who pass through in moments of fear, nor those who visit God only in crisis, but those who remain.

The “secret place” is not a physical location; it is a life ordered toward God. It is cultivated through prayer, obedience, trust, and attentiveness to His presence.

To dwell in the secret place is to choose God as refuge daily, not as a last resort. As St. Augustine observed, “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” Rest is found not in circumstances but in abiding.

To “abide under the shadow of the Almighty” evokes intimacy and protection. A shadow implies nearness—one cannot be under a shadow while remaining distant. St. Athanasius wrote, “He became what we are, that He might make us what He is.” In Christ, God has drawn near, inviting us into constant communion, not occasional contact.

This dwelling is not escapism. Psalm 91 does not deny danger; it confronts it with trust. Arrows still fly, pestilence still stalks, but the one who dwells is not abandoned to fear.

St. John Chrysostom taught, “Nothing is stronger than the man who hopes in God.” Such hope is not passive optimism; it is settled confidence anchored in God’s character.

The challenge of this psalm is honesty. Many desire God’s protection without God’s presence, His benefits without His rule. But the shadow of the Almighty rests only where His authority is welcomed. To dwell in the secret place is to surrender control, to live exposed before God rather than hiding behind self-sufficiency.

Today’s invitation is simple but demanding: stop visiting God and begin abiding.

Precious one, this year make Him your first refuge, not your final appeal. In doing so, you will discover that the safest place in a troubled world is not the absence of trouble, but the nearness of God.

God bless you more.

FURTHER READING – Psalm 91

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. Do I dwell in God’s presence daily, or do I seek Him only in moments of need?

2. What habits or distractions keep me from abiding under His shadow?

PRAYER

Most High God, draw my heart into Your secret place. Teach me to dwell, not drift; to abide, not avoid. From today, I affirm that my life is anchored in Your presence and my trust rooted in Your faithfulness. I am covered with Your shadow, and shaped by Your nearness. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen!

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Genesis 19-20; Psalm 11