What is a 'secret place' in the Bible?
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.For example, 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." This "tent" of God is, of course, not a piece of camping equipment or ancient desert dwelling. This is the word cether in Hebrew and refers to a place to hide or be concealed—a secret place.
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).
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).
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 (John 14:21) 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).
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.
Why should I spend time alone with God?
Christians talk about having a quiet time. What exactly is a quiet time?
Why are Christians encouraged to have daily devotions or quiet times?
Is there such a thing as a solo Christian?
What is Christian fellowship and why is fellowship so important?
Truth about the Christian Life
