The castle of your soul

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.                   Psalm 91:1

Sherwood Eliot Wirt believes that deep within your soul there is a meeting place, a castle where you as God’s child can meet and commune with God. For some that castle is filled with warmth, joy, laughter and fellowship.

It is the place that the Psalmist described when he said, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1 nkjv). In ancient days, “secret places” were hiding places, a refuge where one finds safety and comfort. That place today is in the quietness of your heart where the storms of life cannot touch you.

Many of us know that we’re spiritually deprived. We sense that we are confronted with a spiritual barrenness that leaves us thinking that God is distant, and that we just aren’t connected with Him.

What is missing, though, is not activities but a relationship, one that is nourished by being in the presence of the King. With the frenetic pressures of life today, we have mistakenly assumed that spiritual growth, much like the discipline of an athlete, comes by forcing ourselves to do more. It is only the King who dwells in the castle of your heart who will produce the warmth that drives back the cold that you know is there.

Unfortunately, we have to unlearn some things to learn the lessons of the soul. God is not impressed with what you do nearly as much as what you are. In our helplessness He delights in showing us His strength.

There’s an answer to spiritual barrenness that is not by doing more but by entering into the presence of the King. Allow Him to make your heart His dwelling place.

Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say:  My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do. Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, you who are far from righteousness. I am bringing my righteousness near, it is not far away; and my salvation will not be delayed.