“They…consulted against thy hidden ones” (Ps. 83:3).
The hidden ones (in our times) are believers who make up the bride of Christ. This verse refers to more than concealment. It has to do with watchful care and protection.
This word hidden in the original Hebrew is tsaphan (tsaw-fan’). It computes as: “protected, covered over, secretly hidden.” It indicates those who are made inaccessible by the protection of God, those guarded and defended by the Lord.
It is the Lord’s personal love for us that qualifies us to be His tsaphan. It is because we are dear to Him and considered precious by Him (Isa. 43:4) that He hides us from the assaults of our enemy.
One time during a period of fasting and prayer, the Lord gave me an overview of a great fortification. Inside, we Christians were safe and secure (Prov. 18:10). Outside, the devil was viciously raging, ranting, and roaring – threatening to destroy anyone who ventured out.
The Lord reassured me that my life was hid with Christ in God and that He was my place of refuge. The encouraging thing about his word tsaphan is that it is a term of endearment. The New International Version of this verse indicates that we are the ones God cherishes. The New American Standard Bible says we are His treasured ones. The New King James Version refers to us as the sheltered ones.
To the Lord we are of value. To the enemy we are inaccessible and off limits. In prayer, put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your soul and enjoy seclusion with the Lord.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.