THE SECRET PLACE

 

"He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." — Psalm 91:1

What you do in the secret, where no one is watching, is what eventually reflects in public. Great victories are first won in private places.

Years ago, one of my secondary school teachers told us that if we wanted to graduate with excellent results, we had to spend quality time studying and practicing when no one was watching. Success in the examination hall was determined by what happened in the secret place of preparation.

So it is with our walk with God.

The secret place is a place of making. It is a place of equipping, strengthening, and maturity. It is where God gives instructions, direction, correction, and guidance. The secret place is where warriors are formed before they are revealed to the world.

Looking at our opening scripture, we see clearly that the secret place is where we are called to dwell. It may be your daily quiet time with God, a retreat, a place of worship, or moments of fellowship with Him during your day. More than a physical location, the secret place is a posture of the heart that longs for God's presence.

We live in a world filled with noise and busyness. Many have become so occupied with life's demands that they have little or no time left for God. The cares of this world have caused many to abandon the secret place.

Yet the truth remains: many of the things we desperately seek in public are first received in private with God.

Over the years, as I have waited upon the Lord, I have discovered an important mystery: many blessings that appear physically — promotions, jobs, businesses, relationships, opportunities, and even ministries — are first birthed in the secret place.

I remember a season when I questioned God. I looked around and saw people travelling, signing contracts, building businesses, and achieving great things while I seemed to be standing still, spending my time praying, studying the Scriptures, and waiting on Him.

Then the Lord spoke to my heart:

"Many are moving physically but are standing still spiritually. Do not mistake movement for progress, and do not mistake activity for growth."

That lesson changed my life forever.

A Story About the Secret Place

There was once a young man who desperately wanted to become a mighty archer. Every day he watched experienced archers receive applause from the crowd after hitting their targets with precision.

Instead of practicing, he spent most of his time attending competitions, buying expensive equipment, and talking about becoming great someday.

Meanwhile, another young man disappeared into the forest every morning before sunrise. There was no audience, no applause, and no recognition. Day after day he practiced alone, missing targets, learning, adjusting, and improving.

Months later, a great competition was announced.

The first young man arrived with confidence but little preparation. The second arrived quietly.

When the contest began, the crowd was amazed as the quiet young man hit target after target with remarkable accuracy.

People called him gifted, but they did not see the countless hours spent in secret.

Public victory was simply the manifestation of private preparation.

The same is true in our walk with God. The strength people admire in public is often built in hidden moments of prayer, worship, and fellowship with Him.

The secret place is not merely a lonely room or a closed door. It is a heart that is continually turned toward God. For one person, it may be in a quiet room before dawn. For another, it may be while walking down the street in communion with the Lord.

God desires our presence more than our busyness.

Many times during one-on-one evangelism, when I stop someone and ask, "May I share the Word of God with you?" the response is often, "I am busy."

This has made me wonder why the world is full of busy people who seem to be going nowhere.

Real progress is born in the secret place.

Just as an army must plan and strategize before entering battle, believers must spend time with God before stepping into life's battles and opportunities. Many people are pursuing things they were never called to pursue because they believe activity equals progress and progress equals success.

But Scripture says:

"Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." — Psalm 119:105

Your purpose is discovered in His presence.

In the secret place, you begin to realize that your destiny is not as complicated as you once thought. A man in darkness stumbles because he lacks direction, but when light comes, clarity follows.

The Bible says:

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength..." — Isaiah 40:31

One of the hardest things in life is not getting a promotion, finding a job, or closing a business deal.

One of the hardest things is waiting.

Waiting is often harder than movement because human nature always wants to be doing something. Yet doing something is not always progress.

Sometimes the greatest progress you can make is to sit quietly before God and hear His voice.

May we not become so busy building our lives that we neglect the One who gives life meaning.

The secret place is where strength is renewed, direction is received, purpose is discovered, and destinies are shaped.

Remain in the secret place, and in due season, what God has built in private will be revealed in public.

Prayer: Lord, restore my hunger for Your presence. Teach me to value the secret place above the applause of men. Help me to wait on You, hear Your voice, and walk in the purpose You have prepared for me. In Jesus' name, Amen.