The Secret Place

Last week I had to bury my cousin who had died by an act of violence. He was only 29-years-old and an only child.  It was a great and senseless loss. He didn’t have to die the way that he did.  My heart goes out to his mother and her sisters who have had to endure loss, after loss, after loss. This one has been tough to get past, yet our hope and trust still lie in the hands of the Most High God.

During the repass before the funeral, there were times that we were able to embrace each other as we were coming in.  There were people that we hadn’t seen in a long time, and it was a joy to see them but not under these circumstances. There were times when the pain was so unbearable, yet you could still feel God’s presence there.

The young people, who we call, “the church kids” were getting ready to sing, “A Secret Place” by Karen Clark Sheard. As the lead singer began to sing, I closed my eyes and allowed the words to minister to me.

Song

This world sometimes seems cruel and cold / And pain doth pierce my very soul / But there’s a place, a secret place / A place where I can go

For you shall hide me in Your tabernacle / From the rain and storm / And even when my enemies pursue me / You’ll keep me safe from harm

There is safety, in your tabernacle / There is protection, in your tabernacle / There is security, in your tabernacle / There is a sanctuary, in your tabernacle

Before I knew it, I was singing along with the choir and standing on my feet with my hands raised.  At that moment, we began to worship God right amid our tragedy, pain, and confusion, and God came right on in.  It is only in God that we can find comfort, strength, and peace even in the worst of times.

There have been many times in my life when I didn’t quite understand why God allowed the things He did, times I wanted to give up, and times I wanted to throw in the towel but once I got into my secret place and began to worship God, I felt some release and a sense of direction.

It is in the secret place of God where I can be renewed, restored, healed, and set free. It doesn’t mean I will never hurt again or anything bad won’t happen but that whatever comes or goes, as long as I abide in him, He will carry me through.

“God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth.” – John 4:24

Everyone can praise God but not everyone can worship him. Worship isn’t about us and what we want or need. Worship is a place where we are in commune with God. A place of reverence and our heart’s posture will express how we feel about Him.

When we worship, it is all about God. We must humble ourselves and be vulnerable, open, and honest with God. Not everyone worships God the same. One may raise their hands, kneel, lay prostrate on the ground, etc… There may be few words spoken or none at all. 

Questions for Reflection:

1. What times have you found shelter in God?

2. What is the difference between praise and worship?