God Invites Us Into the Secret Place - Encouragement for Today - June 20, 2025
God Invites Us Into the Secret Place
DR. AVRIL OCCILIEN-SIMILIEN
Lee en español
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 (NKJV)
Has a song ever unexpectedly risen in your spirit? A melody you haven't heard in years suddenly filling your heart? That happened to me recently with a song I hadn’t thought of in decades. The lyrics speak of meeting God in the secret place:
“In the secret, in the quiet place,
in the stillness, You are there.
In the secret, in the quiet hour I wait
only for You ‘cause I want to know You more.”
Back in college, I would wake up at any hour God prompted me and spend intimate time with Him. That was my secret place. But as time passed, life became busier. Before I knew it, I had drifted from that deep communion.
Then recently, at church, a woman praying for me repeated the very words God had been pressing on my heart: “God is calling you back to the secret place.” I immediately felt it was a divine confirmation.
Psalm 91:1 says, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”
The secret place is where we meet God — not to seek His hand but to know His heart. It’s a place of intimacy, transformation, and renewal. In this sacred space, we lay down our burdens and allow His presence to restore our souls. There we are covered by His shadow, protected, strengthened, and reminded that we are never alone.
I’ve learned that making time for God isn't about squeezing Him into my schedule — it’s about prioritizing Him above all else. Jesus is our perfect example. He often withdrew to be with the Father (Luke 5:16), showing us the necessity of retreating into God’s presence. We, too, must intentionally create space to be with Him.
Friend, as God has invited me, I believe He is inviting you too. I encourage you to find a quiet place where you can consistently meet with God. This could be a corner in your home, a park bench, or even your car during a lunch break. The physical location matters less than the posture of your heart. When you show up with a desire to encounter Him, He will meet you there.
Abiding in the secret place isn’t limited to set-apart moments; it’s a continual posture of seeking Him throughout the day. Whether in the stillness of the morning or the chaos of daily responsibilities, He is present. I encourage you to whisper prayers as you move through your day and open your heart to His guidance. The more you dwell in Him, the more His peace and wisdom will shape your life.
God is always near, waiting to meet us in the secret place.
Lord, thank You for inviting us into the secret place. Help us to be intentional about seeking You daily, dwelling in Your presence, and growing in intimacy with You. Transform us as we abide in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Struggling to trust God when the future feels foggy? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to stay stuck. In our latest episode on The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast, “How To Trust God When You Don’t Have All the Answers,” author Abby McDonald shares powerful truths about letting go of control and finding peace even when life doesn’t look how you thought it would. If you’ve been waiting for clarity or feeling paralyzed by the fear of making the wrong move, this episode will help you take a deep breath, stop overthinking, and start moving forward, trusting that God’s got the details. Don’t miss this encouraging and practical conversation — it might be exactly what your heart needs today. Listen to the episode now!
ENGAGE
Looking for a resource to enrich your time in the secret place? Consider completing Avril’s five-day devotional on YouVersion, F.L.O.W: Getting Unstuck Through the Power of Surrender.
For additional resources to encourage, equip, and elevate you on your faith journey, connect with Avril at www.flowtopower.com or follow her on Instagram.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Luke 5:16, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (NIV).
John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (NIV).
How has God spoken to you in the past? Jot down some moments when you felt His presence.
What distractions keep you from spending intentional time with God? How can you overcome them?
What is one step you can take this week to cultivate deeper intimacy with God? Share with us in the comments!
© 2025 by Dr. Avril Occilien-Similien. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
