3 Reasons to Meet with God in Secret

3 Reasons to Meet with God in Secret
by Shane Heilman, The Psalms Project

Jesus is clear that we are to set aside time for God to privately communicate with him.

Here are 3 reasons from Shane Heilman to have a secret place to spend time with God:

1. Intentionality

We go places with specific purposes in mind. When we go to work, we’re there to work. When we go to the gym, we’re there to work out. When we go to our secret place with God, we should be there to spend time with him, and for no other reason. Going to a specific place for a specific purpose produces the type of intentionality that is sorely lacking in the lives of many Christians.

2. Privacy

The word “closet” that Jesus uses in Matthew 6:6, tameion, is defined in Strong’s Greek Dictionary as a secret chamber, a place where a person may retire for privacy, or a place for storage (like a closet). All three of these concepts unmistakably emphasize that this place should be private and cut off from the comings and goings of the household. It should be a place where the world can be shut out. The reason such privacy is necessary for prayer is clear: Privacy fosters honesty, and honesty fosters relationship.

How can we pray freely and openly with God when there are others nearby, who may disturb us and listen to us pray at any moment? Having a secret meeting place with God prevents any hindrances to the unbroken communion that is essential for meaningful prayer.

3. Intimacy

Intimacy comes right on the heels of privacy. Without the safety of privacy, having any depth of relationship with another person is impossible. Even when intimate friendship or relationship is developed in a group setting, it’s because of a certain privacy that surrounds the group, allowing people to bond without the encumbering presence of outsiders. There is no intimacy without privacy.

Also, the sharing of a special, secret place is an intimate act in itself. If there is a place where you meet with one person, and with nobody else, that place becomes a hallowed sanctuary for the relationship. It becomes more than a place. The thought of sharing that place with another person for similar purposes can even seem blasphemous. Simply going to that special, secret place creates an expectation in itself. In the same way, having a special, secret place to meet with the Father creates an expectation, before we even arrive, that God is already there, eager to meet with us.

A Prayer of Boldness for the Quiet Christian

A Prayer of Boldness for the Quiet Christian
By Heather Barr

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14 ESV)

In my journey with the Lord, as I get to know Him in the Secret Place, not only am I discovering the truth of who He is, but also the truth about who He created me to be. He is teaching me about who I am in Him, and has truly surprised me. For the “quiet” Christians, who may struggle to find the strength God promises through Himself, here is a reflection on truth and a prayer for boldness and courage.

As part of my own adventure with the Lord, I face a lot of fears and life challenges as an “introverted” and often “quiet” Christian. For most of my life I’ve never considered myself to be “bold” or “courageous.” In fact, I have dealt with a lot of fear and intimidation in my lifetime, often running away from facing my fears.

But how He longs to empower us to be His hands and feet, and to communicate His loving heart to a hurting world. To this we must grow to be “bold” and “courageous” – and no matter who we may think we are, our Father placed the capacity for courage within us before the foundations of the earth.

Guess what? The God of Creation lives within you and He lives within me. He empowers us to “roar” with courage. No matter how we may feel, this is the truth. As a child of God, I can boldly declare that I am victorious through Christ Jesus who leads me into victory.

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

A Prayer for Boldness and Courage:

Father,

As I face my fears, when I am feeling afraid, when I am feeling timid, remind me of who YOU are, and who I am in You. You are strong and courageous, the Almighty King and loving Father. You have said in Your word that as I wait upon You, I can “take courage,” because I know You are with me, You are for me, and You will empower me with the courage and the strength I need for whatever is placed before me. Remind me of who You have created me to be and what You have empowered me to do.

Lord, You are the Courageous One! And so right now, as I wait upon You, as I face fear and intimidation, I trust that You will keep your promise. I trust that I am who You say I am. I trust that You will give me the strength and courage I need to face this circumstance, and I trust that victory is on the other side.

I boldly declare that I will not let fear or intimidation stop me from being obedient. Help me to endure, Lord. Give me grace. You’re a good Father, and You are faithful. I trust You!

Thank you, Father.

I pray this in Jesus name,

Amen