How To Enter The Secret Place

With Thanksgiving behind us, we shift into Christmas and our secrets begin. We don’t tell Uncle Johnny about the fishing pole wrapped in a refrigerator box beside the tree, or little Susie about the American Doll she’ll finally get this year (that she’s been asking for since she was four).

But a few other secrets pop up around the holidays that aren’t so pleasant.

Holiday Season means family time, which means…baggage. With baggage comes awkward secrets, which become multiple elephants in the room–wearing big, red Christmas bows, of course–that people tip-toe around on their way out the door.

Or maybe you live far from family–or have little or no family–and spend the holidays alone. Everyone around you is celebrating, but you feel like a first-class schlub. So you hide your sadness, tucking it away like a secret lest you douse the joy around you.

The Temple

A few weeks ago, I heard a sermon that totally shattered my negative view of secrets by making a secret place the perfect place to meet Jesus. Our pastor likened our hearts to the Jewish Temple. The Book of Hebrews explains the metaphor well:

Two Chambers

“Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand and the table with its consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place.” Hebrews 9:1-3 (emphasis added)

Two Purposes

“The priests entered regularly into the outer room [Holy Place] to carry on their ministry. But only the high priest entered the inner room [Most Holy Place], and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still functioning.” Hebrews 9:6-8 (emphasis added)

Heart Chambers & Purposes

In my heart there are also two chambers:

1. A holy place where I share a deep, spiritual connections of love and trust with friends and/or family that go deeper than blood or marriage.
2. A most holy place where ONLY the Father/Son/Spirit and I share secret longings, pain, and joy that no one else knows or understands.

My Heart’s Holy Place

In the Temple’s Holy Place, only the priests were ever allowed inside to minister before the Lord. It held the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, and the Altar of Incense–all of which were maintained and active 24/7.

So it is with the people I allow into my holy place. It’s a sacred place. They’re people I trust fully. I could call on them 24/7 and know they’d drop everything to pray, encourage, and be completely honest with me–even if it hurts in the moment–because they want only God’s best for our eternity together.

My Heart’s Most Holy Place

In the Temple’s Most Holy Place, only the high priest entered and only once a year–to atone for his sins and those committed by God’s people.

In my most holy place, I can meet anytime–day or night–with the One who shed His own blood for the sins of the whole world. But He would have climbed onto that Cross to pay for my sins alone–or yours. He’s always waiting for me in that secret place. Waiting to comfort. To hold me. To celebrate small victories that no one else cares to hear.

He’ll never betray my secrets. Never reject me or choose someone else over me. I’m His favorite–and so are you. 😉

How Do We Enter the Chambers?

All this sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? But where’s the practical stuff? Steps 1, 2, 3 down the yellow-brick road?

Entering the Most Holy Chamber

1. Set a timer for 10 minutes.
2. Close your eyes.
3. Take your thoughts captive & focus on Jesus.
4. Talk to Him about your feelings, not just your circumstances.
5. When the timer goes off, invite Him to direct your day.

Entering the Holy Chamber

In the #1 November newsletter I wrote about How to Choose Your Friends, and hopefully gave a few useful tips on finding folks to fill this space.

But caution is necessary when sharing secrets with any human–friend or family. Jesus is the only completely trustworthy Confidante. Sharing secrets makes us vulnerable and puts us at risk. But taking a risk on friendships is part of what gives us that sweet sense of belonging.

Is the risk worth the reward? Less risk, means less reward. In friendship terms, “less” means never getting past surface chats and 1st-level feelings. Are you willing to stay there with your friendships? Or will you risk the pain of going deeper?

If you share, share secrets wisely. Test the waters of friendship before diving in head-first. If someone tells me their darkest secrets on our first coffee date, it’s a red flag. Take it slow. Remember, we’ve got eternity to spend together!

Today’s Questions:

• What time of day is best for you to enter your “secret place” with Jesus?
• How long has it been since you’ve checked in with a “holy place” friend? Make time to nourish that friendship today.