The Secret Place with God: Experiencing Divine
Intimacy
One of the great evangelists and teachers to emphasize how that power was harnessed in spending time in the "secret place" with God was the late Kathryn Kuhlman. The secret place spoken about in Matthew 6:6 is not just a physical place but rather a spiritual stance-a one-on-one encounter with the Maker of all things. It is within this Holy Communion that lives are remade, faith is empowered, and God discloses His heart to His sons.
In this teaching, we’ll
explore the concept of the secret place, its importance, and practical steps to
cultivate this divine intimacy.
What Is the Secret Place?
The secret place is a
spiritual sanctuary where believers encounter God personally. Jesus spoke of it
in Matthew 6:6:
"But when you pray,
go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in
private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you."
This portion establishes some basic tenets about
the secret place:
- Privacy: It is one-on-one time with God, alone and
undisturbed.
- Sincerity: The attention is not directed at men but at the
actual meeting.
- Reward: It is God's way of blessing those who seek Him
in humility and truthfulness.
Kathryn Kuhlman
impressed upon them that it is in the secret place where believers are molded
by the Holy Spirit. It is a place where the presence of God is real, His voice
is clear, and His love is felt.
Why the Secret Place?
A. Renewal of the Soul
Well, in moving through
life at such a frantic pace, the spirit is easily drained, and the soul becomes
parched. The secret place becomes a wellspring of renewal: "He restored my
soul" says Psalm 23:3. As we
retreat to this secret place, God revitalizes our worn-out hearts with strength
for the journey onward.
Kathryn Kuhlman shared
many times that the effectiveness of her ministry came from that secret place
in the morning hours. She would relate, in her seminar teachings, the source of
such spiritual vitality wherein she received godly guidance and empowerment.
B. Revelation of God's Will
The secret place is also
where God tells us His plan and purposes for our lives. Jeremiah 33:3 declares,
"Call to me and I
will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not
know."
In the stillness of the
secret place, the distractions dim, and God's voice can be heard. Kathryn
Kuhlman testified that her greatest revelations came during moments of deep
communion with God, not in the public eye but in solitude.
C. Building Intimacy with God
Intimacy with God is the
foundation of a thriving spiritual life. Just as relationships deepen through
quality time, our relationship with God flourishes in the secret place. Psalm 91:1 illustrates this so
beautifully: "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in
the shadow of the Almighty."
Kathryn Kuhlman used to
say many times, "God is looking for
fellowship, not performance." It's a place of experiencing His love, a
place where one hears the heartbeat of God, and where trust is built.
How to Develop the Secret Place
A. Set Aside Dedicated Time
Consistency is key.
Choose a time of the day when you can be with God-be it early in the morning or
late at night. Kathryn Kuhlman firmly believed, "The greatest gift you can give God is your time."
B. Create a Sacred Space
While the secret place
is essentially a spiritual state, having a physical space can help. It may be a
quiet room, a corner in your home, or even a walk in nature. The essence of it
all is to eliminate distractions and focus on God.
C. Engage in Prayer and Worship
Prayer and worship are
major components of this secret place. Start off with thanks, giving with
recognition of His goodness. But pour out your heart to Him, and then listen
awhile. Worship invites God's presence, according to Psalm 22:3: "You are enthroned on the praises of Israel."
Worship ushered Kathryn
Kuhlman frequently into the secret place as the Holy Spirit brought her into
ever deeper communion.
D. Meditate on Scripture
God speaks through His
Word. Take your Bible to the secret place and meditate on some passages that
touch your heart. Allow the Holy Spirit to shine upon the Scriptures, making
them personal revelations.
E. Be Still and Listen
Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am
God." In the secret place, quietness enables us to hear the voice of God.
Kathryn Kuhlman referred to periods of quietness as some of the most profound
in her relationship with God as she would feel the strong presence of the Lord.
The Rewards of the Secret Place
A. Peace That Surpasses Understanding
Philippians 4:7 says, "And the
peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and
your minds in Christ Jesus." In the secret place, God's peace replaces
anxiety and fear.
B. Strength for Life's Challenges
Isaiah 40:31 says,
"But those who hope
in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Kathryn Kuhlman would
often say that it was in the secret place where one got the strength to face
challenges.
C. Transformation of Character
The secret place is
where God molds us into His image. As we spend time in His presence, our
thoughts, attitudes, and desires align with His. 2 Corinthians 3:18 assures:
"And we all, who
with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into
his image with ever-increasing glory."
D. Anointing for Ministry
The ministry of Kathryn
Kuhlman was one of miracles and deep influence. She said this came from her
time in the secret place as she received the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 reminds us:
"But you will
receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my
witnesses."
Conclusion: Entering the Secret Place
The life and ministry of
Kathryn Kuhlman remind us that no other duty compares with the secret place. It
is in this holy-of-holies place that we sense the presence of God, hear the
still small voice of God, and are changed by His love. This secret place is not
some no-admittance-to-anybody place, reserved for the select few; this is an
open invitation to all who would seek Him.
As you prioritize the
secret place, remember the words of Psalm 16:11:
"You make known to
me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal
pleasures at your right hand."
May you be filled with joy, peace, and divine intimacy as you dwell in the secret place with God.
