Finding Spiritual Strength in the Secret Place

Devotional

Day 1: The Secret Place is the Source of Spiritual Strength

True spiritual strength is found in private, disciplined time with God.

There is a place where spiritual strength is built, and it is not in public performance or even in the gathering of the church, but in the secret place—your personal, private rendezvous with God. Jesus modeled this repeatedly, withdrawing from crowds, miracles, and even moments of public acclaim to be alone with His Father. The world offers endless distractions and rewards for what is seen, but Jesus invites you to a deeper, unseen life with God, where your roots grow strong and your soul is nourished. In the secret place, you are strengthened for whatever seasons may come, and your relationship with God becomes the wellspring of your life. [04:26]

Luke 5:16 (ESV):
"But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray."

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to create space for private, uninterrupted time with God, away from all distractions?

Day 2: Jesus Modeled Consistent, Private Prayer

Jesus regularly withdrew to pray, showing us how to seek God.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is seen rising early, staying up late, and seeking solitude to pray. He did this not as a performance, but out of a deep desire to be with His Father, even when it was inconvenient or when others sought His attention. This rhythm of retreat and prayer was not occasional but habitual, and it was the foundation of His ministry and strength. Jesus invites you to follow His example—not to check a box, but to cultivate a relationship that is real, honest, and life-giving, even when no one else is watching. [06:58]

Mark 1:35 (ESV):
"And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed."

Reflection: When in your daily or weekly routine could you intentionally withdraw, even briefly, to be alone with God in prayer as Jesus did?

Day 3: Spiritual Roots Are Grown in the Unseen

A faith rooted in private disciplines will endure suffering and hardship.

Jesus’ parable of the soils reveals that what is unseen—roots growing deep in good soil—determines whether a plant survives the heat of the sun. In the same way, a spirituality that is only visible to others is fragile and will not withstand the inevitable trials of life. But when you develop spiritual disciplines in secret—prayer, meditation, fasting, giving—your faith is anchored and future-proofed. The world values what is visible, but God values what is hidden and real. Build your life on the unseen strength that comes from time alone with God, and you will stand firm when suffering comes. [19:40]

Mark 4:16-17 (ESV):
"And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away."

Reflection: In what area of your spiritual life are you most tempted to focus on appearances rather than cultivating deep, unseen roots with God?

Day 4: Practice Spiritual Disciplines in Secret, Not for Show

God rewards what is done in secret, not what is performed for others.

Jesus taught that prayer, fasting, and giving are to be practiced in secret, not as a performance for others to see. The world encourages you to display your achievements and spirituality, but Jesus flips this upside down, calling you to a life where your most important spiritual work happens when no one is watching. God sees what is done in secret and promises to reward it. This is not about hiding your faith, but about making your relationship with God authentic and intimate, free from the need for approval or applause. [24:48]

Matthew 6:6 (ESV):
"But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

Reflection: Is there a spiritual practice you’ve been tempted to do for recognition? How can you shift it into the secret place this week?

Day 5: Cultivate Practical Habits for the Secret Place

Belief, prayer, journaling, meditation, and simply being with God deepen your spiritual life.

Building a life in the secret place is not just about intention, but about practical habits that draw you closer to God. Be honest with God about your doubts and ask Him to help your unbelief. Spend time in prayer, not just talking but listening. Journal your prayers and thoughts to process with God. Meditate on Scripture, filling your mind with His truth rather than the noise of the world. And sometimes, simply sit in God’s presence, breathing and being with Him, letting His glory change you. These practices, done consistently and privately, will transform your relationship with God and prepare you for every season. [29:55]

Psalm 1:1-3 (ESV):
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers."

Reflection: Which of the five habits for the secret place—belief, prayer, journaling, meditation, or simply being with God—do you sense God inviting you to focus on this week, and how will you begin?

Sermon Summary

Spiritual strength is not found in the spotlight or in public displays of faith, but in the quiet, hidden moments spent alone with God. Just as the gym is the place for physical strength and the library for intellectual growth, the “secret place”—the prayer closet, the quiet rendezvous with God—is where spiritual strength is forged. Jesus modeled this for us, often withdrawing from crowds, accolades, and even his closest friends to spend time in prayer with the Father. These moments were not just about location or timing, but about the posture of the heart: seeking God in solitude, away from the distractions and applause of the world.

The world constantly pulls us toward distraction, monetizing our attention and encouraging us to perform our spirituality for others. But Jesus calls us to the opposite: to cultivate a faith that is deeper beneath the surface, with roots that can withstand the inevitable seasons of suffering. The parable of the soils illustrates this truth—plants with deep, unseen roots survive the scorching sun, while those with only surface-level growth wither. In the same way, a faith that is only visible to others is fragile; it is the unseen disciplines—prayer, fasting, giving, worship, and meditation in secret—that make us resilient.

Spiritual disciplines practiced in private are not about earning God’s favor or impressing others, but about future-proofing our souls. When suffering comes, it is the strength built in the secret place that sustains us. Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount emphasize secrecy in prayer, fasting, and giving—not to hide our faith, but to ensure its authenticity and depth. The world says, “Show off what you have,” but Jesus says, “Go deeper where no one sees.” This upside-down way of living is the path to true spiritual vitality.

Practical steps for cultivating the secret place include honest belief, persistent prayer, journaling, meditating on Scripture, and simply being with God. These practices are not about performance, but about relationship—allowing God to shape us in the quiet so we can stand strong in the storm. The invitation is open: return to the secret place, and let God build in you a strength that cannot be shaken.

Key Takeaways

1. The Secret Place is the Source of Spiritual Strength True spiritual strength is not developed in public but in the secret place—alone with God in prayer and solitude. Jesus modeled this by regularly withdrawing from crowds and even moments of great honor to seek the Father. The world values what is seen, but God values what is cultivated in secret, where no one but He is watching. This hidden life with God is the wellspring of resilience and power for every believer. [04:26]
2. Surface Spirituality Cannot Withstand Suffering The parable of the soils reveals that a faith rooted only in what others can see is vulnerable when trials come. Like plants with shallow roots, a public-only spirituality will wither under the heat of suffering. It is the unseen disciplines—prayer, meditation, fasting, and giving in secret—that anchor us deeply in God’s love and truth, enabling us to endure hardship with hope. [19:40]
3. The World Monetizes Distraction, but God Rewards Attention Modern life is engineered to fragment our attention and keep us from the slow, patient work of prayer and meditation. The smartphone, social media, and endless entertainment are designed to distract us from the secret place. Jesus calls us to resist this pull, to feast on the glory of God in focused, undistracted time, knowing that God rewards those who seek Him in secret. [14:03]
4. Authentic Spirituality Begins in Private, Not Performance Jesus warns against performing spiritual disciplines for the approval of others. Whether it’s prayer, fasting, or giving, the true measure is what happens when no one is watching. If our spiritual life is more visible than invisible, we are in danger of spiritual fragility; authentic faith is first cultivated in private, then expressed in public. [22:14]
5. Practical Steps to Cultivate the Secret Place Building a life in the secret place involves honest belief, persistent prayer, journaling, meditating on Scripture, and simply being with God. These practices are not about checking boxes but about deepening relationship and allowing God to shape us. The invitation is to future-proof your soul by investing in these hidden disciplines, trusting that God will meet and strengthen you there. [28:42]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:31] - Introduction and Honoring Pastor Justin
[01:13] - Family Stories and Humor
[03:09] - Where is Spiritual Strength Found?
[04:26] - The Secret Place: Jesus’ Example
[05:41] - Jesus’ Pattern of Withdrawing to Pray
[08:17] - Prayer After Miracles and Highs
[09:33] - Jesus Rejects Public Glory for the Father’s Presence
[10:44] - Jesus Teaches the Disciples to Retreat
[12:42] - The World’s Distraction vs. Jesus’ Invitation
[15:22] - The Parable of the Soils Explained
[19:40] - The Danger of Surface Spirituality
[22:14] - Secrecy in Spiritual Disciplines
[26:44] - Living Upside Down: The Way of Jesus
[28:02] - How to Build a Secret Place Life
[33:10] - Practical Guide to Praying for an Hour
[34:27] - Responding to God’s Call to the Secret Place
[36:55] - Invitation to Follow Jesus and Next Steps
[38:13] - Closing and Ways to Connect

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Luke 5:16, what was Jesus’ regular practice when it came to prayer? How often did he do this? ([05:41])
In the Parable of the Soils (Mark 4:13-20), what happens to the plant that has shallow roots compared to the one with deep roots? ([19:40])
In Matthew 6:5-6, what does Jesus say about where and how we should pray? What is the promise attached to praying in secret?
The sermon mentioned that Jesus withdrew even after moments of public success or honor. What are some examples from the Gospels where Jesus chose solitude over the spotlight? ([09:33])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus made it a priority to withdraw and pray alone, even when there were crowds or important things happening? What does this reveal about his relationship with the Father? ([05:41])
What does the parable of the soils teach us about the difference between a faith that is only visible to others and a faith that is rooted in private spiritual disciplines? ([19:40])
The sermon said, “If more of your spirituality is seen than unseen, then you are in danger when suffering comes.” Why is private spirituality so important for resilience in hard times? ([25:29])
How does the world’s focus on public performance and distraction make it harder to develop a deep, authentic relationship with God? ([14:03])

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to consider if we spend more time performing spirituality in public than practicing it in private. Looking at your own life, where do you see this tension? Are there spiritual habits you do more for others to see than for God? ([21:00])
Jesus modeled withdrawing to pray even when life was busy or after big moments. What are some practical ways you could create space for “secret place” time with God this week, even if your schedule is full? ([05:41])
The world is full of distractions, especially from technology and social media. What is one specific distraction that keeps you from spending time alone with God? What step could you take to minimize that distraction this week? ([14:03])
The sermon listed practical steps for the secret place: honest belief, persistent prayer, journaling, meditating on Scripture, and simply being with God. Which of these is most challenging for you? Which one do you want to try or grow in this month? ([28:42])
When suffering or hard times come, it’s often the hidden spiritual strength that sustains us. Can you think of a time when your private relationship with God helped you endure something difficult? If not, what would you hope to have in place before the next storm comes? ([25:29])
Jesus said to pray, fast, and give in secret. Is there a spiritual discipline you’ve been tempted to “perform” for others? How can you shift your focus to doing it for God alone? ([22:14])
The invitation is to “return to the secret place.” What would it look like for you to accept that invitation this week? Is there a specific time, place, or practice you want to commit to? ([34:27])

Sermon Clips

The place of spiritual strength is the secret place. That's what the New Testament says, that's what Jesus shows us. Church is a place to enjoy our spirituality, share our spirituality, grow in our spirituality, but the place where we become strong spiritually is the prayer closet. It is the secret rendevu with God. [00:04:26]

Notice that present progressive verb: how much did Jesus do this? Once? Did he do it once? No, the Holy Spirit inspired the gospel writer to write that Jesus did this often because that was true. He often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer. [00:05:41]

Jesus went to an inconvenient location so that he could have privacy because Jesus understands that prayer isn't something to perform first. First, prayer is something to do in private to strengthen yourself spiritually. [00:08:11]

Jesus already was their king, just in the opposite way that they thought. They thought Jesus was going to come and defeat Rome, but Jesus came to defeat sin and death. They thought Jesus was going to bring a kingdom with castles and horses and nuclear weapons and tanks, and he didn't. [00:09:38]

Jesus walked away from the glory of people to go be with the glory of his father. Jesus Christ walked away from the glory of people to be with the glory of his father. [00:10:12]

Jesus understood something that I think a lot of Christians don't understand, which is that the secret place is the place of spiritual strength. [00:10:56]

Jesus is saying, "Hey disciples, I want you not just to see me do this, not just to know that I do this, I want you to do this. I want you to understand that the way to be strong spiritually, the way to recover spiritually, the way to become spiritually the type of person that you want to be is to pray in secret." [00:11:16]

The world says to distract yourself. Jesus says to go to the secret place. The world says distract yourself. Jesus says go to the secret place. You know, one of the ways that the world is monetizing you is by monetizing the distraction of your attention. [00:12:42]

You can't become a person of spiritual strength in 15 second swipe up chunks. Jesus wants something different for you. In fact, I would so go so far as to say that if you were Satan, if you were the devil and you were trying to create something that would stop the people of God from doing this thing, you would create something like perhaps the modern smartphone. [00:13:39]

Perhaps when your heart feasts upon the slow patient glory of disciplined prayer, perhaps you will throw your phone in a river and look face to face at God, and I wonder what God would want to do in your heart through a moment like that. [00:14:40]

What you see in the parable of the four soils is everything that's above the ground on the plant is what you can see, and everything below the ground is obviously what you can't see. And Jesus is pitching this idea that there is a strength in having a spirituality that no one can see. [00:18:19]

If all of your spirituality is what people can see, you are not safe when the season of suffering comes. If you don't develop a discipline of living with God in the secret place as well as the public place, then when your season of suffering comes you will not survive it. [00:19:47]

If you pray more into a microphone than in the secret place, you're doing it wrong. If you pray more in front of people than in the secret place, you're doing it wrong, and you're not safe when suffering comes. If you read your Bible more on Instagram live than in the secret place, you're doing it wrong. [00:20:53]

The Lord God wants you to sit on a chair in your prayer closet so much that that chair fits the groove of your butt. It has been so worn in by you. The Lord Jesus Christ wants the wood of the floor of your prayer closet to have the indentation of your knees as you stay down praying to your God. [00:23:15]

Secret spirituality, built in good seasons, will sustain you through the bad ones. It's what you can't see that makes you healthy spiritually, not what others can see. If more of your spirituality is seen than unseen, then you are in danger when suffering comes. [00:25:32]

Jesus is teaching you to live in an upside down way in the world. Why would you ever do things in private? If you have an amazing car, drive it so everyone knows you're rich. If you have the most beautiful wife, show her off so everyone knows you're amazing. If you have the most beautiful house—do you get what I mean? Everything is about I have and I show, and Jesus is saying, "No no no no no no, not only not that but the opposite of that. In secret for strength, for the actual place of spiritual strength." [00:27:18]

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