THE BEST KEPT SECRET: The Secret Place
SOUND MIND Collection
May 28, 2023
“He who dwells in the Secret Place of the Most High;
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”
Psalm 91:1
How reassuring! How reassuring that there is a secret place of the Most High God and we can go there and find refuge. I have this picture in my mind of a huge, gigantic eagle with large wings. In the scorching sun, I can curl up there under the wings of this big creature and know that I am safe. His eyes are always open; He’s always watching out for me and I can find strength there in His shadow. I don’t know what visual image you have when you read this verse, but I pray that it gives you comfort and peace knowing that you can go to that secret place and be safe.
Pastor Bennett started this message off by reminding us that Jesus (God in the flesh) often retreated away from the crowds to quiet places to be with His Father in heaven. In His humanness, He needed refreshing. Our human body, mind, and soul require it. We require solitude at times so that we can hear from Him. Hear His voice and receive new inspiration.
Those who draw their strength from the Lord, their leaves are always Green. (Jeremiah 17:7-8) This tree described in Jeremiah always has green leaves because it receives its nourishment from a secret place. The waters/streams that flow to give this tree life come from a secret place.
God wants to meet us there. He wants us to receive life there–not just eternal salvation, but a Zoe kind of life for everyday living. An abundant life!
Here are 5 Benefits of meeting with God in the Secret Place:
• The Secret Place is for worship.
So we can focus on who He is and what He does. Amidst all the noise, we can calm ourselves and our minds and spirits and acknowledge that He is sovereign and He is in control.
• The Secret Place is for cultivating an eternal mindset.
This is where we focus on the eternal. We lift our eyes up away from the things of this world to eternal things that give us peace (Colossians 3:1-2). We quiet the noise and focus on the most important things.
• The Secret Place is where we can take refuge.
In the midst of life’s storms (and there will be storms), we can find peace here and safety. “You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.” He not only protects us, but He fights for us as well and sings victory over us. Receive divine help in the Secret Place.
• The Secret Place is where we find the source of our identity.
I personally think this is one of the prime reasons why the enemy of our souls aims to keep our lives busy and distracted. News everywhere and social media posts every few seconds can plant seeds of identity that are like weeds–they choke out the healthy plant and fruit.
• The Secret Place is where we receive Divine Guidance.
Psalm 32:7-8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” He longs to coach us and lead us to a path of life. A good life. So do all that you can to get to the secret place.
It may be your bedroom. A closet. Your car. The bathroom? Do all that you can to get to a quiet place regularly so that you can spend time with your Heavenly Father there and hear from Him.
“Moments spent in the Secret Place are like the pins that hold up drapes, they sustain the life God has in mind for us.”
– Ps. Bennet Johnson
We all need times of refreshing. As a body of Christ, we are here to support you and encourage you to receive from Him all that you need. Reach out to us if you need help. We’re here for you @OceansideChurch.