“He that dwells in the SECRET PLACE of the most High SHALL ABIDE [be present with] UNDER THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY.” (Psa. 91:1) Our Father’s presence in our secret place (where we can meet with Him on a regular basis) is what casts that shadow over us. “…Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.” (1 Sam. 3:9-10) Notice how that when we call on the Lord HE ANSWERS! “…the high and lofty One says…whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, WITH HIM ALSO that is of a contrite [regretful] and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” (Isa. 57:15) Jesus first taught us what our “attitude” should be when we meet him in prayer. “Blessed are: …the POOR IN SPIRIT…they THAT MOURN…THE MEEK…they which do HUNGER AND THIRST AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS…THE MERCIFUL…the PURE IN HEART, FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD.” (Matt. 5:3-8) David prayed this way... “Bow down thy ear [cup your hand over your ear], O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy.” (Psa. 86:1) So we should always… “…be clothed with humility: for God RESISTS THE PROUD, and gives grace to the humble.” (1 Pet. 5:5). RESISTS: (antitassomai) oppose, against order, confused – We can choose grace or confusion by our attitude! “…when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut thy door, pray to thy Father WHICH IS IN SECRET; and your FATHER WHICH SEES IN SECRET SHALL REWARD YOU OPENLY.“ (Matt. 6:6) Our Father is in our secret place WAITING FOR US – HE IS ALREADY THERE! We don’t have to pray Him down to us we just go in where He is waiting. When you pray: ENTER your “closet” – have a regular place set aside for prayer. SHUT the door – keep out all distractions – KNOW that your Father is THERE waiting – oh how He loves for us to know He is there to communicate with us. KNOWING that He will HEAR and ANSWER our prayers – ASK and you shall receive, SEEK and you shall FIND, KNOCK and it shall be opened to you. “If ye shall ask anything in my name, I WILL DO IT.” (John 14:14)
OUR FATHER IS IN OUR SECRET PLACE WAITING FOR US!
-Bill Stockham