If we want to develop a vibrant relationship with the Lord then we need to learn to dwell in the secret place of God. The Father is always with us, He never leaves us, nor forsakes us. If we really believe this then we need to act accordingly.
The Bible is filled with mentions of the secret place. We are constantly being exhorted to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), “give thanks for everything” (1 Thessalonians 5:18), and to pray in secret (Matthew 6:6). The problem lies not in us understanding the command, but our knowledge of what it is and how to do it.
In this article, we will be coving everything you need to know about dwelling in the secret place.
What is the secret place of God?
The secret place is simply a life of continual fellowship with the Father, without the need to be seen by others as “spiritual.”
The secret place is implied throughout the whole Bible, but it is primarily mentioned in two places. In Matthew chapter 6 by our Lord Jesus, and in Psalm 91 by King David.
In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus is in the middle of delivering the sermon on the mount and He gives us the best definition of what the secret place means.
“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:5-6)
Some people think this means that the secret place only has to do with praying in a bedroom by yourself, but this isn’t what Jesus was trying to communicate.
In the context of this passage, Jesus is addressing three spiritual disciplines: giving, prayer, and fasting. When He addresses giving, He tells us to not “let our left hand know what our right hand is doing” (Matthew 6:3). When He addresses fasting, He tells us to wash our face so that we do not appear to men to be fasting. Jesus refers to these as actions done in secret (Matthew 6:16-18).
So, although it is true that the Lord is being practical and saying to get alone and spend time with the Father, His main point was not about being alone in a bedroom, but about developing a life of prayer without the motivation of being seen by men.
What does it mean to dwell in the secret place?
To dwell in the secret place means to live in a place of continually drawing near to the Father through communion. It is a place where you talk to Him in the morning, at night, and throughout the day, without the motivation of being recognized by people, only the pure desire to know Him.
Dwelling in the secret place doesn’t only have to do with going in your bedroom and praying when no one is watching. This is included but it is not required.
Instead, it means to engage in fellowship with God and then never leave. Consistently coming before Him in sweet communion with our Lord, moment by moment.
This is what you and I were created for: to live in daily fellowship with the Father and to be empowered by His Spirit to bear His image to a lost and dying world.
How can one dwell in the secret place of God?
Read the Word daily. God and His Word are one. If we wish to dwell in God then we need to learn to dwell in His Word. You can only think about what you consume, so instead of consuming the things of the world, consume the things of God by reading His Word daily. If we make this a consistent habit we won’t get distracted from His presence as much. (Related article: How to Start Reading the Bible & 3 Simple Tips on How to Renew Your Mind)
Spend time in secret prayer. This one is pretty obvious, but it is impossible to dwell in the secret place without it. There are two aspects to any intimate relationship. Those are (1) quality time alone, and (2) quality time with others. You need both for a successful relationship. If you aren’t taking time every day to get alone and spend time in secret prayer, it is going to get pretty difficult to commune with Him throughout the day. (Related article: How to Spend an Hour in Prayer)
Speak in tongues often. The apostle Paul said, “I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all” (1 Corinthians 14:18). He also exhorted us to pray at all times in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18). Speaking in tongues consistently throughout the day will assist you in keeping aware of God’s presence. (Related article: Speaking in Tongues: 5 Things to Know from the Bible & 5 Benefits of Speaking in Tongues)
Make daily tasks triggers to pray. We all have responsibilities. Whether those are going to work, taking out the trash, doing laundry, or doing the dishes. The point is we all have things we have to do every day. Make those mundane tasks triggers to start talking with Him. (Related article: The Prayer Life of the Apostle Paul & How to Pray Like Him)
Benefits of dwelling in the secret place
You will be delivered. You will receive deliverance from those against you who try to trap you, and from deadly sicknesses. (Psalm 91:3)
He will cover you from your enemies and from evil. (Psalm 91:4)
You will have no fear in your life. You won’t be afraid of sickness, darkness, destruction, or man-made weapons. (Psalm 91:5-6)
No evil shall befall you. Others may fall, but you’ll be protected. (Psalm 91:7,10,11, & 15)
No sickness will come near you or your household. Sickness is never from God and those who dwell in Him will be free from sickness and disease. (Psalm 91:10)
Angels will guard and protect you. (Psalm 91:11-12)
You will have authority and power over satan and his demons. The Bible uses creatures such as lions, serpents, and scorpions to represent the enemy. If you dwell in the secret place you will “trample him underfoot.” (Psalm 91:13)
God will answer your prayers. (Psalm 91:15)
God will be with you in trouble. God will be with you as he was with other men and women of God who loved Him. He will deliver and rescue you from trouble. (Psalm 91:15)
You will be blessed with long life. Many people think that God has a timestamp for everyone, but this verse reveals that how we live our lives judges when we will die. So, if we dwell in God, He promises to “satisfy us with long life.” (Psalm 91:16)
He will show us His salvation. I believe this is twofold. (1) God will show us salvation and deliverance from times of trouble and evil on this earth, and (2) He will show us His eternal salvation by being with Him forever! (Psalm 91:16)
Whew! That is a whole lot of promises. I encourage all of you to read Psalm 91 and study it out. Let those benefits listed there become real to you. Spend time in His presence, commune with Him throughout the day, and you will see the glory of God.
