The more life hits, the greater the value we place on resting in that secret place with the Lord. It’s easy for us just to move with the business of life when things are level. We celebrate, adorn ourselves, and focus on living that good life. That’s all fine and well, but sometimes life calls us deeper into the secret place and focusing more on the inner man or as the Bible states the hidden man of the heart.
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 1 Peter 3:3-4 (KJV)
This is a scripture God takes me to often to remind me to be still and quiet before him. I’ve recently been going through grief and other things and sometimes it causes me to feel a bit behind with the pursuit of purpose, ambition and plans I’d previously been working on, but I know its important for me to heal so I pace myself.
However, God was letting me know it isn’t about those things so much right now anyway. It’s about my inner man. God wants my inner man rested and secure in him. He wants my inner man quiet no matter the challenges that come my way. He’s been inviting me to rest more in that secret place with him not worrying about falling behind or keeping up the things that others can see. He wants me centered on him.
During the centering on him, God provides wisdom, instruction, rest, assurance, healing, and everything that comes with his presence. I love this place. I love that the Lord draws me nearer to him when I am facing challenges, and he carefully instructs me on how to get through them.
Recently, God had given me Psalms 27 as a road map and confirmation of how he’s been calling me deeper into him:
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord. – Psalms 27:1-6
David was reiterating that no matter what came up against him; he’d be okay if he focused on what was most important and that is the one thing he desired from the Lord. He desired to dwell with the Lord and to behold the Lord. That is when he saw himself as hidden in God’s place of safety at rest and lifted up far above his enemies. That is the most important thing. It’s more important than keeping up in ministry, appearing to have it all together or anything else we could desire. Maintaining our seek for God and allowing ourselves to be quiet enough to gaze on him helps us to remain hidden in his rest. When life hits hard; we should go deeper in God into that secret place. God is so good that he will be patient with us and coach us there no matter where we find ourselves.
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