IN THE SECRET PLACE
In New York Harbor, there stands a lady who invites the world to:
“…”Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
Those are welcoming, hope-filled words, but 2 Peter 1:19 says, “Yet, we have a more sure word…that we take heed. An old hymn written by C. B. McAfee, says,” There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God…Hold us who wait before Thee, near to the heart of God.”
Today’s Reference Psalm 91:1-2
1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”
The ever-loving God, in His mercy knows that we need a dwelling place, so He extends the invitation. A dwelling provides shelter, safety, relaxation and security. Similarly, the secret place offers these things. God expects us to dwell there. This residence leads us to another place on a higher level of relationship with Christ. Deem it an added privilege to be shown that special place: the inner room of the Almighty’s shadow. Consider it one of our dwelling benefits: living in God’s shadow. In other words, we get so close to Him, He allows us to live in His reflection. At that proximity, we can pretty much walk in His footsteps. Visualize that! We are close to His hands, so we can feel His warm embrace, hear His footsteps and touch His heart. So, we endeavor to stay there and find peace, comfort and a sense of belonging.
Isn’t it comforting to be assured that there is a secret place to which we can take refuge? Whenever we seek entry we will never be turned away. Amidst the business and sometimes confusion of life, a place of solace is available. Physically, it may be called a man cave, a prayer closet, or a den, but whatever the label may be, it represents a place of seclusion and sweet communion with our Heavenly Father. We all need such a place. It is there where God speaks to our spirit and we feel fellowship with Him.
There are unique things about that place. Everyone must go there for himself. Its only entrance admits individuals, and once the door is closed, one is in total seclusion with the Lord. Distractions cannot enter, and the atmosphere is of such that His presence engulfs and illumines us. We cannot view this place from a distance nor can we experience its blessings by wishing for them. We must enter. It costs us time, but the rewards of abiding with the Almighty, are invaluable. There is room for one voice only: The Lord’s. If we hear other voices, we have left the secret place. It is so compact and sound-proof that nothing, but God’s presence can penetrate when we assume residence. That dwelling place makes for an in-depth association with the Most High. He wants us to be so close that we can hear His heart-throb. He identifies with our feelings and communes with our spirit.
What else characterizes that secret place? We may enter at any time and find Him there, waiting to welcome us, regardless of our current circumstances. The Father knows that we may be weighed down with sin and cares when we enter, but the sign on the door says, “All are welcome. Come in. I will give you rest from your burden. I do have a balm ready and waiting for you. Relax and have your soul soothed with my presence.” Then, the Holy Spirit pours on the oil of anointing as we offer the sacrifice of praise. Why should we linger outside when on the other side, He has the emollients for every hurt? Matthew 11:28 says, Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
It is impossible for us to enter that place and not feel a sense of freedom and total abandon. Ponder this: could it be that when we feel distant, it’s because we have not entered that secret place? In the Book of Exodus, we are told of Moses’ entry into that place, on many occasions. When he tried to run away from himself, God caught his attention. We may not have a miraculous encounter, but God has a way of getting our attention. Why? He loves us! He has a commission for us! He specializes in working out kinks before we even experience them! Deuteronomy 31:8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Allow this Kink-worker-outer to do HIS job.
In the secret place in Exodus 20, Moses received the Ten Commandments; in Genesis 28, Jacob encountered angels; in Genesis 22, Abraham was provided a ram and; in Revelation 1, John got the Book of Revelation. We too can experience God in a special way in our time of separation and expectation. There, we can make declarations like: “God is my: Refuge, Hiding Place, Shelter, Defense and Fortress. As our Fortress, He faces the Enemy and braces us for the victory. That, will be revealed to us when we enter and abide in the secret place. Yes. It is possible! How so? Keep our mind on Him. (Isaiah 26:3: You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.) The moment we make an attempt to exit the secret place, the sign on the inside of the door reads: Step back! Refocus and speak to your soul as in Psalm 42:11, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” It is important to wait in God’s presence until we receive the grace to believe that He knows what is best for us.
Next, we will be convinced that He is our God and we can trust in Him. What does that mean? We recognize and acknowledge that He owns us and He is dependable. Disappointing is not one of His traits. He is reliable. It behooves us therefore, to cast our cares on Him who knows the end of our story.
Matthew 17 :1-8 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. 7 But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” 8 When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. Here, Peter, James and John were taken to a literal secret place. Jesus took them apart to a height that they could not have experienced on their own. There, they saw a glimpse of His glory. They heard God’s endorsement of Jesus and saw an unusual sight. Peter, could not think of returning to the other disciples. It was such a surreal feeling, he desired to make that place a dwelling for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. It was so great an experience, he wanted to house God’s presence.
Finally, read the big, bold sign:
FREE ADMISSION,
DELIVERANCE,
PROTECTION.
ENTER!
Is it possible to dwell in the secret place? Surely! We can delve into His glory when we take the time to enter the secret place of consolation and tranquility.
Dr. O. A. James
REFLECTION
What are some red flags that indicate to us that we have exited the secret place?