Secret Place [5 tips for success]

He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91:1 

We believe in the Secret Place. 

We believe in having it everyday. 

No matter what... 

However, if you’re not used to having “Secret Place” it can be tough to make it a part of your daily rhythm. 

We want to help with that by sharing some tips and tricks to making The Secret Place a discipline. 

A discipline you will love practicing. 

A discipline that will strengthen your relationship with Jesus. 

A discipline that will be well worth the effort. 

Let’s cover the basics real quick:

You can have Secret Place whenever you want! The Secret Place is about setting up a place and time expecting to meet with God. That can happen at any time and anywhere. 

BUT…

There is something about giving God your FIRST & your BEST. 

So ask yourself: 

When am I most alert? 

When can I have uninterrupted time? 

Whatever that time is, pick that time. 

For most, the morning is that time. For some, due to work, kiddos, etc. that may be at 5pm, 9pm or 3am. That is fine! Just make sure, it is your best (most alert + no interruptions). 

So whether it is morning, noon or night, these tips should set you up for Secret Place success!

Ready? Here we go:

Tip 1: Prepare in advance. Before having Secret Place, prepare the space you will use to have time with God. This could look like the night before, setting up the coffee so it is ready to brew a few minutes before you come to the space. Set your bible, notebook and pen out in advance so that it is ready to go when you are. Set out a candle with some matches nearby for easy lighting, when you are ready to use it. 

Tip 2: Tidy up the space. I am a visual person. If I am planning to have Secret Place in the dining room, but when I come down it is a wreck, I can’t focus and I spend the time I could be using to be in the Word on cleaning up the mess. I have found it so helpful to clean up the space in advance, so that once I enter the room it is ready for me to meet with Jesus, with no unnecessary distractions. 

Tip 3: Engage the senses. Taste and see that He is good. (Psalm 34:8) There is something about actually engaging the sensing as you enter into Secret Place time. Doing this has helped keep me alert and engaged, especially when I’ve had a hard time waking up. 

• Taste: Pour yourself a glass of water, cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy it as you spend time with Jesus. 

• Smell: Light a candle. I have my favorite scents for Secret Place time. The aroma can be very calming and soothing. 

• Touch: The warm cup of coffee or tea can be so comforting to your hands as you hold the cozy mug while reading scripture. Using your finger to underline the sentences as you read your Bible can also help keep you focused as you read the Word. 

• Auditory: Worship music or instrumental music (Check out William Augusto) can be so helpful for setting the atmosphere and keeping your mind on Jesus.

• Visual: Seeing the wick of the candle flicker, setting the lighting to be inviting, but not harsh all help set the tone. When possible, move your Secret Place outdoors, in nature. Gazing upon His creation moves us to worship. 

Tip 4: Start with worship. There isn’t a wrong way to start Secret Place time if your intentions are to meet with Him, but worship helps to prepare the heart. Worship sets the foundation for the rest of your time together and allows you to align your mind and heart with His.  

Tip 5: Practice the Disciplines. You don’t have to do all 12 at once, but rotate through them throughout the week and try to practice all of them at least weekly. The disciplines provide you with different avenues to enjoy Jesus as you engage with Him in different ways. 

The disciplines include, but aren’t limited to: prayer, meditation, worship, service, giving, simplicity, solitude, silence, study, fasting, confession, sabbath. 

Big idea: Find your rhythm. Get creative and invite Jesus into the space and time you have set apart to meet with Him. If you don’t know how to start or begin, ask Him. Don’t be afraid to mess up. Jesus loves spending time with you. If you make the effort to meet Him, He will show up; that is all that matters. 

How do you love to meet with Jesus? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below. 

We pray this helps you enjoy Jesus in the Secret Place. He has so much to offer you. 

Until Next Time, 

We Are Ecclesia