This morning, God gave me an “Ouchie-But Praise Be”—a truth that both stings and heals. One reader once described it as a cross between an “ouch” and a “praise be”: a word from the Lord that is exactly what you need to hear, even when it isn’t exactly comfortable.

Lately, I have been navigating a very busy season of life. Responsibilities, commitments, and daily demands have often crowded out one of the most important parts of my day—my quiet time with Christ. That sacred time when I sit with Him, listen for His voice, read His Word, and learn from His heart.

Today, however, I paused long enough to listen. God did not speak in an audible voice, but through thoughts impressed upon my spirit as I wrote in my journal. The message was intended for me, yet perhaps it is for you as well. And if it feels like an “Ouch-Hallelujah,” I pray it is the kind that leads you back to the place where true joy, peace, and fulfillment are found.

Many of us talk about God more than we actually experience Him. We quote Scripture, discuss Christian books, offer quick prayers throughout the day, attend church, and participate in corporate worship. Yet too often, we fail to set aside intentional time to enter the secret place and simply listen to the Master.

Why?

Because it is difficult.

Because it can be intimidating.

Because it requires time and surrender.

Because it exposes our hearts.

When we draw near to God, we often come face-to-face with our weaknesses, our pride, our fears, and our sin. His Word shines light into places we would rather keep hidden. We begin to recognize attitudes and motives that need His transforming touch. And deep down, we know that if we truly listen, He may call us to act on what He reveals.

The truth is, avoiding the secret place allows us to keep God at a comfortable distance. We can maintain the appearance of faith without confronting areas of our lives that need change. We can protect our routines, preserve our comfort, and avoid the possibility that God may ask us to step beyond our carefully arranged plans.

But if we do not hear from God, we miss the truth He longs to speak. And while truth can be uncomfortable, it is always life-giving and healing.

We often say we do not have time for God. Yet the reality is that we make time for what we value most. Consider people who are deeply in love. They find ways to communicate, connect, and spend time together regardless of their schedules. Love always makes room.

Could it be that our lack of time is really a lack of priority?

Instead of going directly to the Source, we often settle for secondhand encounters. We listen to sermons, read devotionals, and learn from authors who have spent time in God’s presence. Thank God for these gifts. Yet how tragic it is to receive only a cup of water from someone who has visited the Spring of Living Water, while neglecting to go to the Spring ourselves.

The distractions are endless—family responsibilities, careers, entertainment, fatigue, personal ambitions, and countless daily concerns. Every one of them competes for our attention.

But imagine if we truly believed that the God of the universe was waiting to meet with us. Imagine if we genuinely believed that He desires to speak, guide, strengthen, and fill us with abundant life through an intimate relationship with Him.

Would we not find a quiet place?

Would we not humble ourselves before Him?

Would we not listen?

The secret place is where God shapes hearts, renews minds, and reveals His presence. It is there that we discover the peace, protection, and fellowship that cannot be found anywhere else.

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” — Psalm 91:1 (KJV)

Prayer:
Father, forgive me for the times I have allowed distractions to crowd out my time with You. Create in me a deeper hunger for Your presence and a greater desire to seek You above all else. Teach me to value the secret place and to listen when You speak. Help me to prioritize intimacy with You over the busyness of life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.