In my journey with the LORD, I have come to a beautiful place. It’s not that I face less trials or have fewer troubles to contend with. It is that they are no longer my primary focus. We are told to fix our eyes upon Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) and yet I suspect that there are many who see this as figurative, unreasonable, impractical and ultimately unattainable. I know that I once did.

It is not figurative. It is literal. When we decide to tune the eyes of our hearts unto Him we can close our physical eyes, open our spiritual eyes and gaze upon Him. We are reminded that if we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us (James 4:8). This is a promise and yet there are many reading these words and are about ready to tune them out. You are saying to yourself that this is unrealistic. Perhaps you are even thinking I have my head in clouds. Well, that’s good news by me because our minds are meant to be fixed on heavenly things (Colossians 3:2).

I am writing this not as musing but as an urgent plea to all of my brothers and sisters. Trials have come. I’m sure you are surrounded by many of them even as you read these words. More trials are coming.

Let me put it this way. When the disciples were taking a boat across the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:35-41), they were overcome by fear as they faced the storm. They did not forget that they had Jesus asleep in the bow of the boat. They just did not yet know that He was greater than the storm. Do you know that Jesus is greater than the storm you are facing? I’m not talking about a “yeah, yeah” response where you agree but only in your reasoning. I am speaking to your heart. I ask again, “Do you know that Jesus is greater than the storm you are facing?”

Even the world understands that the United States of America is about ready to enter a dark period. Some among them have even gone so far as to store up additional food, water and necessities so that they may withstand the storm. I am not saying this is foolish by any means. However, withstanding the physical trials is not that which is of greatest importance. We need to set our hearts upon the spiritual trials that are only multiplying.

You need a place of refuge. I’m not talking about a cave you go into and roll a rock in behind you. I am talking about the secret place of the Most High (watch video attachment of Psalm 91 below). As true followers of Jesus we are not meant to view this world in the way that the unbeliever does. We have been invited into a secret place of intimacy and of refuge.

Yet for most of my Christian, while I may have heard of this place, I had no idea how to find it. However, after having spent many hours there I have concluded that the secret place is in the prayer closet (Matthew 6:6). This is not the complete answer as God’s word tends to work in layers but I believe the prayer closet is the entryway. We come out of the prayer closet sometime later but in our hearts we must remain there.

I realize that for many of you who are reading it may seem that I am speaking mysteries. In some ways perhaps I am. Yet if the true longing of your heart is intimate fellowship with God, you will seek and you will find. We need the voice of God to lead and guide us. We need Him to order our steps (Psalm 37:23, Psalm 119:133). Still we cannot get the kind of leadership and guidance we need for our daily walk from a pastor behind a pulpit alone. Yes true Bible believing pastors teach spiritual truths from the written word of God and that are beneficial. Still we must hear from the LORD in our personal lives and in order to do so regularly we need to have a personal relationship.

See this as not just possible but as necessary. In the times which are coming we will need to press in and hear God’s voice clearly. We will need Him to physically lead us in our steps when danger is around every corner. Again, I have good news for you. If this is truly what you want it is what you will get.

Let it be unto you according to your faith, (Matthew 9:29). If this is the desire of your heart but you are uncertain as to where to go from here please don’t let pride keep you from asking for leadership and counsel. What you need is Him, not me. Yet if I can help you to advance in that direction it is my privilege and honor to do so.

“The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace,”’ Numbers 6:24-26.

Again there is no scholarly writing here. Just my heart and what I sense to be the heart of the LORD poured out on virtual paper. Don’t glance at it, skim over it and move on. Stop and meditate on this word and you will receive a rich reward.

~ Mitch Salmon

Mitch Salmon is the founder of Fisher of Men Productions and a follower of Jesus Christ and proclaimer of the Good News – The Gospel of Christ Jesus!