The Secret Place
Objective
Having a secret Rendezvous with our Lord and Savior
Scripture(s)
Matthew 6:5-6, Philippians 4:6-7, Matthew 11:28-30 {Scripture from New King James Study Bible}
Prayer and fasting work together. Your intentions will determine whether you are just going through the motions or wholeheartedly seeking to commune with the Father on a deeper spiritual plane. When you meet someone and your goal is to get to know them better, possibly leading to a serious relationship, you spend as much time alone with them as possible. Learning their innermost feelings, what makes them happy, what gets them upset, and so on. We should take this same approach when coming to the Father in prayer and fasting. According to the Lord’s word, how should we approach prayer in this fashion? Matthew 6:5-6 says 5) 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. 6) But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut the door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly (NKJV).
There have been many times, when dealing with battles, that I have actually gone into my closet, shut the door, sat on the floor and poured my heart out to God in prayer. I sat there and did not move until I felt his peace come over me. Philippians 4:6-7 says 6) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7) and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (NKJV). Going deeper, my study Bible states that in verse 6, Paul exhorts the Philippians to pray about their circumstances instead of worrying over them. It goes on to say that Instead they are to commit their problems to God in prayer, trusting that he will provide deliverance. Verse 7 breaks down Paul’s choice of words to imply that the mind is in a battle zone and needs to be protected in military fashion. It goes on to state that the phrase “peace of God”, operates in the same way to protect the mind from external corrupting influences and to keep the mind focused on God’s truth.
When we total up the level of busyness in our lives, the number of distractions, negative news, having to make uncomfortable life adjustments due to concerns surrounding COVID-19, it is a huge burden for anyone to carry. This poses two thoughts. One, it is so much to deal with that it is no wonder we get distracted in our relationship with God and allow priority of our time with him to be inadequate. Two, it is so much to deal with that it should push us to draw closer to God for guidance and to understand his will and purpose for our lives. Which one do you choose? God knows and understands all we are going through and will face in the future. He knows that we feel as though we have too much to bear. So, what does he say about this? In Matthew 11:28-30, he says 28) Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29) Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, 30) For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. As we continue in a state of “too busy being busy”, our Father in heaven will continue to say, “come unto me.” What will you do today?
There have been many times, when dealing with battles, that I have actually gone into my closet, shut the door, sat on the floor and poured my heart out to God in prayer. I sat there and did not move until I felt his peace come over me. Philippians 4:6-7 says 6) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7) and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (NKJV). Going deeper, my study Bible states that in verse 6, Paul exhorts the Philippians to pray about their circumstances instead of worrying over them. It goes on to say that Instead they are to commit their problems to God in prayer, trusting that he will provide deliverance. Verse 7 breaks down Paul’s choice of words to imply that the mind is in a battle zone and needs to be protected in military fashion. It goes on to state that the phrase “peace of God”, operates in the same way to protect the mind from external corrupting influences and to keep the mind focused on God’s truth.
When we total up the level of busyness in our lives, the number of distractions, negative news, having to make uncomfortable life adjustments due to concerns surrounding COVID-19, it is a huge burden for anyone to carry. This poses two thoughts. One, it is so much to deal with that it is no wonder we get distracted in our relationship with God and allow priority of our time with him to be inadequate. Two, it is so much to deal with that it should push us to draw closer to God for guidance and to understand his will and purpose for our lives. Which one do you choose? God knows and understands all we are going through and will face in the future. He knows that we feel as though we have too much to bear. So, what does he say about this? In Matthew 11:28-30, he says 28) Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29) Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, 30) For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. As we continue in a state of “too busy being busy”, our Father in heaven will continue to say, “come unto me.” What will you do today?
Prayer
Gracious and Heavenly Father. We can’t thank you enough for your Holy word. We thank you for providing a secret place that we may enter into and pour ourselves out unto you as you pour out your spirit into our hearts. It is important not only to have a personal relationship with you but also to continue to nurture our relationship with you just as we nurture our earthly relationships. You have given us love that is unlike any other because you are the author of love. You have provided a fresh renewal when we are spiritually drained. You have provided rest when we are on the verge of burn out. Today, we ask that you fill us with your Holy Spirit that we may be renewed and guided throughout this day. We thank you for all things in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! AMEN!
written by: John C. Jones III
Posted in Too Busy Being Busy