The Perfect Spot
Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them.
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:6-7
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
Insight
Growing up, one of my favorite games to play was Hide and Seek. It started when I was a toddler attempting to hide from dad. As he would begin to count, I'd giggle and try to find a place to hide, typically ending up underneath a blanket, inside a closet, or behind a sofa (with my feet hanging out).
Later on, in my school years, Hide and Seek became a cut-throat nightly competition amongst friends that spread throughout the neighborhood. The older folks in the community didn't appreciate all our screaming and running around, but we sure had fun. It was a badge of honor finding the most obscure location that would cause everyone to give up on the chase and yell, "Olly Olly Oxen free!"
The ideal spot required security and to be out of sight - to the point where people would pass and have no clue you were within reaching distance. The chaos continued around you while you were safe and secure in your hiding place.
In today's passage, David, the author, describes God as our hiding place. He protects us from trouble and provides a place of refuge and relief. This is good news for all of us.
Difficulties and challenges are a part of living in a broken world. We all face them at one time or another. The need to display adversity and perseverance is part of the human condition.
A strained relationship. A grim prognosis. A lost job. I might not know what you're going through right now, but I know this - chaos can break out around you, but you can have confidence knowing He is by your side. Your emotions might attempt to convince you that God abandoned you, but this is not the case.
No matter what comes our way, our lives are safe in His hands. Placing our faith in this reality reframes the way we respond to our circumstances. The more we turn to Him, the more we get to experience His faithfulness. The more we place our trust in Him, the more we see Him moving in situations that seemed hopeless, lost, and unredeemable.
We need to look no further. Christ serves as the best hiding place of them all.
Reflection
Where do you need to experience God as your hiding place? Why did this situation come to your mind?
Prayer
God, You are my hiding place. I will run to You in times of trouble. I will rest knowing You are ever-present in my life. You encourage me to take refuge in Your love; I will accept this invitation gladly. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
