What is a 'secret place' in the Bible?

TL;DR:

The term "secret place" appears in the Old and New Testaments and most often refers to the way our soul is in relationship with God. The secret place reminds us that we find our refuge in Christ.

In the Bible, a "secret place" refers to a metaphorical or spiritual sanctuary where individuals can seek intimate communion with God. It's often depicted as a place of safety, refuge, and personal connection with divine presence. Scriptures like Psalm 27:5 and Psalm 91:1 describe this secret place as a place where believers find shelter and protection under God's care. Jesus emphasizes the importance of this private communion in Matthew 6:6, encouraging believers to pray and fast in solitude, not for appearances but to deepen their relationship with God. The secret place shows the value of personal devotion and spiritual intimacy to God.

from the old testament

Psalm 27:5 says, "For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock." The "cover of his tent" refers to a place to be hidden, concealed, or protected—a secret place.
Psalm 91:1 describes the safety and protection of those who trust in God, referring to dwelling in the "secret place of the Most High" (NKJV).

from the new testament

In the New Testament, Jesus instructs us to go to a quiet place, a secret place, a room with the door shut when we pray (Matthew 6:6). He is not telling us, necessarily, about a physical location to pray, but a secret place in our lives set aside for one-on-one time with God—a place of solitude. Jesus set the example by often going away from His followers to spend time alone with God (Mark 1:35; Luke 4:42).
Similar to prayer, in Matthew 6:17–18 Jesus emphasizes how God is in secret and what is not seen by others. He calls those who fast to do so in secret so others don’t see.

implications for today

This secret place, where we meet with God one-on-one, is where we should find ourselves often. Psalm 91:1–2 says, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'" Abiding in God, we find shelter, refuge, and fortress. It is in the secret place that we are most vulnerable with God and most deeply experience His intimate love.

When we spend time with someone, we learn more about them, and even begin to become like them. When we spend time alone with God, we learn more about Him and it is also a way He transforms us to become more like Him. Spending time in our "secret place" with God is one way of choosing the Spirit over the flesh (Romans 8:5–8). When we do that, we have more of a heavenly, eternal perspective. We find the ability to remain thankful in all things (Ephesians 5:18–21).

understand

The secret place symbolizes a divine sanctuary of protection and shelter.
Jesus emphasizes the secret place of prayer and fasting, revealing the intimate nature of our relationship with God.
Jesus also retreated to solitary places for prayer.

reflect

How do you intentionally cultivate time to retreat to your "secret place" for prayer and communion with God?
How have you experienced God's protection and refuge when you have sought Him in your secret place?
How does spending time alone with God in your secret place transform your perspective and behavior in daily life?

engage

This idea of a secret place is not a call to a monastic existence. It is also not a call to make our spiritual lives secretive or private. Corporate worship, praying with and for one another, and all that is involved in Christian fellowship, have a very important place in the Christian life. Rather, having a secret place is an intentional decision to establish a routine that includes time with God reading the Bible, praying, and listening to Him. He will meet you there and help you become more Christ-like in character (John 15:4–5; Romans 12:2; 1 John 2:5–6; Psalm 92:12–14).
In a world that is so public and constantly busy, what are the benefits of getting away to a secret place with God?
How do our experiences in our secret places impact our corporate worship and fellowship with one another?