He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalms 91:1 NKJV

A few years ago, I was in a dark place. Every morning I struggled to get out of bed. Maybe you can relate. I felt trapped in a whirlwind of emotions I couldn't control. The harder I fought to escape... the more exhausted I grew. One afternoon I was hiding under the bed covers, feeling defeated as usual. I cried out to God and felt His calm, familiar presence envelop my tired spirit. And I saw this…

I stood on a beach, looking out to sea. I tried to swim out beyond the waves, but they kept pushing me back to shore. I tried one last time, but I was just too tired. As I sank to the ocean floor, I could see the waves churning in turmoil far above me. But down below, all was completely calm. For the first time in a long time, I was at peace… The kind of peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Suddenly I remembered the beginning of Psalm 91: He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High… And I finally realized: God's Secret Place wasn't hiding somewhere I couldn't reach. It had been waiting beneath my fear and anxiety all along! God asked me to stop fighting so I could receive the inheritance of rest He longed to give me.

Please understand this newfound revelation did not magically end my season of depression. But God did show me the way through it… Or should I say… under it. I still often feel overwhelmed by my emotions. But when this happens, God reminds me not to struggle, but simply wait with Him beneath the waves until the chaos above subsides.

 H. C.