Seek -- And Then Hide

 

He will cover you with His feathers; you will take refuge under His wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield.  (Psalm 91:4)

 

Are you Hiding IN God -- or From Him? 

Most of us can remember playing hide-and-seek as children. The goal was to hide really well and not be found. And if we're honest, as grown-ups, we still play that game -- only the landscape has changed from our external world to our internal world. We hide emotionally, mentally, and spiritually to keep from being "found out".

 

The stakes are much higher in our adult world and the consequences much more dire. 

Our faulty-thinking tells us that to stay well-hidden is to escape judgement. All kinds of judgement: from ourselves as we often choose denial, from others as we live inauthentic lives, and worst of all, we try to hide from God, fearing His judgement. It all started in the Garden and it hasn't changed much since then.

If a person hides himself in secret places, will I not see him?" declares the LORD. "I fill the heavens and the earth, do I not?" declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:24)

What a foolish and futile waste of energy to live such a lie. It never worked -- and it is one of Satan's favorite lies. 

Even as children, we were always eventually found. And as adults, we long to be found, to become free of the self-imposed prison of pretending. Fear holds the key but the lock is on the inside! We can get out and we should get out.

“But now, this is what the Lord says…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)

Seek and Hide: The better choice.

God's plan for us is freedom. We don't have to hide anymore, especially from Him -- as if we could anyway. In fact, He invites to hide -- IN Him -- not from Him. Scripture tells us He is our hiding place. Why would we choose to run from the safest place imaginable?

You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7)

Judgement? Quite the contrary!

When we spend time with Him in conversation and worship, we are in a judgement-free zone. You can pour out your deepest, darkest thoughts and fears and receive the forgiveness and comfort that you so crave.

So, instead of hiding from your deepest needs by over-eating or numbing-out watching television, try getting on your knees in a private place and being honest with the One who made you and loves you. You will find the healing and grace that you need. Stop hiding in the darkness and step into the light!

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those 

who are in Christ Jesus.”  (Romans 8:1) 

 

I have a song for everything. "Still" by Hillsong United; "You are My Hiding Place" by Selah

Sermon series "Honest to God" by Clay Scroggins (Northpoint Community Church)