Dr. Dale’s Secret Place is one book that lures you into the place of prayer and worship. The anointed words, the style in which the words are written, and the visual depictions are some of the many reasons I am captivated by the book. It discusses the importance of dwelling in God’s presence daily, the impact it has on us as Christians, and the profound truths revealed by God to the author. The truths spoken to him as an individual is for all of us in the body of Christ. God’s presence, where He manifests his glory is a place reserved for all believers without exemption. We all have the right and access to His presence at any time. Whatever is of Christ also belongs to us as Christians, including His inheritance.
The Secret Place also emphasizes God’s desire for us to walk with Him and to reveal His truths to His people. That God’s ideas become our ideas, His thoughts become our thoughts and we delight in His ways all the days of our lives. This corroborates what Jesus had said in the book of John 17:20-21
“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me”
Lastly, we learn lessons the Holy Spirit taught the author (through the Word, Dreams, and Visions), which also belong to us. Some of them include the purpose of life, the difference between purpose and assignment, the seasons of life, total commitment, and the lavishness of God.
The book is divided into two parts: Dreams and Visions (Part 1) and The Well of His Presence (Part 2). This summary focuses on the lessons I learned, and the words that stood out in the book.
Part One
In the Spirit, I Can Fly
Among the many truths that lie in this chapter, the first intriguing one is that prayer is exciting. It is not something to be afraid of, weary of or shied away from. It is communion, communication with the Godhead. We also learn the importance of surrendering our options to God (being single-minded in pursuit of Him) and cleansing our thoughts so we can allow the Holy Spirit to search our hearts in the place of prayer. Lastly, intercession is at the heart of God. The Holy Spirit wants to release His power to us as Christians for intercession – to pray for Nations.
Where Is My Passport?
The author in this chapter reveals how his journey into the secret place started afresh. He was no longer satisfied
with where he was as a believer, church activities had replaced the most important thing he was called to do (which is to BE in God’s presence). This is the story of many of us as believers. Social media, activities and work have now become a major part of our lives that we forget the place of fellowship with God. Just as the author returned to the secret place with God’s help and determination, we must also be determined to fellowship and wait on God every day.
The End of the Beginning
In starting afresh and choosing His presence, we find ourselves undulating until it becomes a part of us. This was also the experience of the writer as he shared the tips the Lord gave him, which helped him. First, have no regrets and let go of the past. We do this by releasing and casting it to Jesus. Instead of having regrets from the past, we are to learn the lessons and take positive actions now (by focusing on Him) that would lead to a glorious future. Second, we are to learn to be sensitive and obey the nudges of the Spirit in us. Future progress and success would come as we depend on and obey the voice of the Holy Spirit on our inside. This is God’s desire for us as we walk with Him.
The book is a very good read for any Christian believer and I highly recommend it.
Love,
Ayobambo