The Power of the Secret Place

It’s easy to get caught up in doing things for God instead of simply being with Him. We serve, we show up, we check the boxes—and yet, without the right heart, all that activity leaves you empty.

Here’s the truth: religious activity without a relationship doesn’t bring life—it actually makes you vulnerable.

At the heart of SOZO is this:

• To save or deliver from danger
• To heal, make whole, or cure from disease
• To preserve or keep from corruption

Why would you ever settle for less than God’s full plan of wholeness? And yet, when we lean on rituals instead of His presence, we miss the very life He promises.


Samuel’s Secret
Samuel’s story starts in the middle of a messy situation. Israel’s spiritual leaders at the time are Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of Eli the high priest. They had the right title and lineage, but their hearts were far from God. Instead of honoring Him, they used religion as a cover for selfishness and sin.

Samuel was different. From a young age, he learned to serve God wholeheartedly. Instead of just performing rituals, Samuel made the secret place—God’s presence—his priority.

Scripture says he “ministered before the Lord” (1 Samuel 2:11, 18). Even as a boy, Samuel found stability not in a corrupt system, but in God Himself. His mother Hannah would bring him a coat each year to remind him of his identity, and Samuel “grew in favor with the Lord and with men” (1 Sam. 2:21, 26).

Samuel’s life shows us the difference between ritual and relationship. His story reminds us: strength doesn’t come from being around religious activity—it comes from being with God.


Religious Activity Without Relationship
Fast forward to 1 Samuel 4. Israel is losing a battle, but instead of seeking God—the one who had clearly anointed Samuel as His prophet—they fell back on empty religious rituals. They brought the Ark of the Covenant into the camp, hoping for a quick victory.

At first, it seems to be working. The people shout so loudly that “the earth shook” (1 Sam. 4:5). Surely God is with them, right? But here’s the problem: seeking an object instead of seeking God never works. Rituals can’t replace a relationship.

The Israelites expected the Philistines to flee, but instead, the Philistines rallied, defeated Israel, and even captured the Ark. And Hophni and Phinehas? They died in the chaos.

Why? Because the presence of God can’t be carried on the shoulders of religion. Empty rituals don’t bring strength; they expose weakness.

Isaiah 1 says it clearly: God isn’t impressed with empty sacrifices or outward shows of worship. He wants our hearts. He wants us in the secret place.


The Power of the Secret Place
Jesus echoes this in Matthew 6:31–33:

“Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.”

The secret place isn’t about hiding from the world. It’s about abiding in the presence of God so we can walk strong in the world. It’s where:

• Peace is formed—no matter what chaos surrounds you.
• Identity is reinforced—like Samuel’s coat, reminding you of who you are.
• Strength is renewed—so your actions flow from His presence, not your effort.

From Ritual to Relationship
Here’s the bottom line: power isn’t in the ritual—it’s in His presence. Religion without a relationship leaves us shouting louder but losing battles. But intimacy with God—abiding in His presence daily—leads to freedom, clarity, and breakthrough.

Samuel’s life proves it: even in a corrupt culture, the secret place with God raised him up as a prophet whose words never fell to the ground (1 Sam. 3:19).

And the same God who walked with Samuel wants to walk with you.


A Challenge for the Week
This week, ask yourself: Am I leaning on rituals or resting in His presence?

• Carve out time in your secret place with God.
• Trade worry for worship.
• Let intimacy fuel your activity.

We’re living in a world that looks a lot like Samuel’s—corrupt systems, empty religion, and loud distractions. But like Samuel, you can grow strong and steady by choosing relationship. God is still raising up people who know His voice, walk in His presence, and shine in dark times.

Be one of them.