The Secret Place
“This is my secret catfish spot,” Steve told me as we walked from the road to the riverbank. I had a brief assignment as a Platoon Commander at Officer’s Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia, and Steve was my Platoon Sergeant. He was the typical gruff Marine Staff NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) to the candidates, but we had developed a close bond of friendship over the past few months. Having been an enlisted Marine prior to being commissioned as an officer, I had gained some “street cred” with him. My assignment was ending, and we took this last opportunity to spend some time together before going our separate ways. I was honored that he was taking me to his “secret place!”
Most of us have a “secret place” where we like to go. The reasons for going are as varied as the people who have them. The world is becoming smaller and more crowded, and finding a secret place is becoming a greater challenge. My “secret place” is anywhere I can go to spend my intimate time with Jesus, my King. Jesus mentioned the “secret place” in the Sermon on the Mount.
“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Matthew 6:5-6, ESV
Jesus also discusses the acts of giving (verses 1-4) and fasting (verses 16-18) in secret as well. In every case, God “rewards” those who live their lives secretly. So, what exactly does that mean?
The Greek word translated “secret” in Matthew’s passage is kruptos [from which we get the word cryptography], defined as “concealed, hidden, secret” (Young’s Concordance). The life that is pleasing to God is one that comes to Him in the “secret place” to worship, to pray, and to fast. In Matthew, Chapter 6, Jesus condemns the hypocrisy of those who perform their acts openly to receive the praise of men. He tells us they have their reward. They may receive the praise of men, but they will not receive God’s commendation.
The inner spiritual life of the believer is “rewarded” in the inner sanctum. I am spiritually formed when I meet God face-to-face in the inner sanctum. There is no other way. The Old Testament conveys this concept as well.
“The secret counsel of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.”
Psalm 25:14, ESV
“For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.”
Amos 3:7, ESV
“The devious person is an abomination to the Lord, but the upright are in his confidence.”
Proverbs 3:32, ESV
The Hebrew word translated “secret counsel,” “secret,” and “confidence” in these verses is sod, defined as “secret counsel, confidence, consultation, and friendship.” (Strong’s Concordance). Therefore, those who fear and serve God and are upright are His friends, whom he confides in with His secret counsel.
The reason so many Christians lack spiritual vitality in their lives is because they do not meet God in the “secret place.” The reason so many pulpits lack God’s anointing is because so few pastors and teachers seek God in the “secret place,” choosing to receive the praise of men over the praise of God. Christian apologist and author G. K. Chesterton famously stated,
“The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and left untried.”
The Christian life is not difficult – it is impossible – apart from the empowering work of God through the Holy Spirit. With God, all things are possible. When you meet Him in the “secret place,” He will tell you that and much, much more.
What say you, Man of Valor?
Adapted from Men of Valor Devotional by Ron Helle, 10 May 2024