Play hide-and-seek with a two-year old and chances are, when it’s your turn to do the seeking, you won’t be looking for long. Their under- standing of true concealment is limited.
Some people play hide-and-seek in life. They’re looking for places to hide from such situations as financial ruin, hurtful relationships, and danger. But their understanding of true concealment is limited.
They may build up a hefty bank account, move from one relationship to another when the first difficulty arises, and purchase every means of protection against physical harm.
But these hiding places still leave a person exposed. Not all problems can be solved with money. Shallow relationships don’t satisfy in the long term, and physical protection can fail.
Just as our granddaughter in the first picture needed something bigger to cover her, we need something bigger than bank accounts, a few casual friends, and state-of-the-art alarm systems to cover us.
In addition, we face a number of monumental problems in America that leave all of us greatly exposed: rising drug addiction, increased violent crime, failing schools, the demise of Judeo-Christian values, inflation, supply chain failures, the national debt, and more.
There is only one place where we’re completely hidden and protected: in God himself.
Not that we’re shielded from every difficulty in this life. God hasn’t promised to prevent all trouble. But he is the One who can provide complete coverage no matter what we face, including the security of eternal life and blessings in the midst of trouble.
When God is our Hiding Place, he makes available to us his:
- Strength
When tumult rages,
We have in him a strong citadel of calm.
–Herman Lockyer (1)
- Peace
The very act of breathing in his presence [is] balm.
Jan Karon (2)
- Help
Be assured, if you walk with Him and look to Him
and expect help from Him, He will never fail you.
–George Mueller
- Truth, including his unfailing promises
The roots of stability come from being grounded in God’s Word.
–Unknown
- Hope
God has given no pledge that he will not redeem
And encouraged no hope that he will not fulfill.
–Charles Spurgeon
Rest assured, my friends, once we’ve placed our faith in Jesus Christ, we are completely covered—hidden in God. He is our steadfast and reliable Rock of refuge (Psalm 31:3).
* * * * * * * * * *
I praise you, O God, for sheltering me in the Rock-cave of your refuge. I’m surrounded by your unfailing love and compassion, your all-sufficiency in all situations, and your empowering presence.
I also take refuge in the truth of your Word that affirms you will put all things right when the time is right. In the meantime, I nestle into the protective shadow of your wings.
(Psalm 32:10b; Psalm 116:5; Philippians 4:1; Psalm 23:4; Romans 8:28; Psalm 17:8b)
Notes:
- Seasons of the Lord, 252.
- A Common Life, 116.
Photo credits: Nancy Ruegg; http://www.fox19.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.dailyverses.net; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.pixabay.com.
From the Inside Out 
There is no peace except in Christ. Timely & assuring post.
Blessings!
Amen, Loralu! So glad you found assurance in this post.
My latest blog post that will come out on Friday mirrors your thoughts here, Nancy, about the proliferation of horrible priorities, or lack thereof, happening under the current administration. If I couldn’t turn to the Lord, knowing everything is ultimately in His hands, certainly, I would lose all hope.
He is my refuge and my strength!
Blessings!
I agree, Martha. I can’t imagine life without the Lord, especially in these times. With you I find my hope, refuge, and strength in El Shaddai, our God Almighty!
Amen, Nancy!
one of the benefits of going through hard times is that we realize the wonder of being hidden in Christ. comforted, enveloped, protected, nurtured, saved. thank you, Jesus!
Those of us of a certain age with faith in Christ can heartily confirm your statement, Linda! AMEN!
Loved it Sister Nancy! Our ONLY and lasting Hope is in the Lord! Amen and AMEN!!
Thank you, Roland. Praise God for his inspiration! With you I rejoice in the hope we have in Christ.
You are so right, Nancy. Merely sticking one’s head in the sand leaves the rest of the anatomy severely vulnerable. 😉 We need to run to Him! ❤
You brought to mind a praise song we used to sing in the 1990s: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run in to it and they are safe” (Proverbs 18:10). Did you happen to sing it also? So thankful for such promises!
Yes, I remember singing it, and now it’s playing my head. This is not a bad thing, because I’ve had another song on a mental loop for the past three days!
This is a refreshing change. 😉
So glad I could help! : )
Thank you, Nancy for this timely post. My hope and refuge is in the One who never fails. He is my all in all!
Amen and hallelujah, Pam!
Thank you Nancy for the reminders.
And thank you Sam for your faithfulness to read and comment every post.
What a sweet analogy Nancy and that your granddaughter is a part of that little God-wink.
Love this: ‘The roots of stability come from being grounded in God’s Word.’
–Unknown
Children and grandchildren can indeed provide many spiritual lessons. / That quote gets an AMEN from me too, Alicia!
What an encouraging post, Nancy, especially in these very troubling times. I love the picture of your granddaughter! How cute! But also what a great visual for how we so often operate in life. How often I grab the nearest “thing” to comfort or cover me when right in front of me is all I need – God’s Word! Bless you, friend, for these wise words that I need to hear.
I’m so glad this post brought encouragement to you, Patty. I too have to keep alert for thought patterns that lead me away from the peace and hope God provides, especially through His Word!
Nancy,
The best place to be is in His hands. To not be there is misery.
Thanks,
Gary
AMEN, Gary! I’ve said it before, but the thought comes to mind frequently: I can’t imagine going through life without God and his wisdom, guidance, provision, and more!
How very reassuring that when we are in the midst of trouble He is ALWAYS there ready to cover me and protect me from this world and has also provided me the security of eternal life. He has never given me reason not to trust in Him; I just need to get out of my own way!
AMEN, Cheri: God has never given me reason to to trust in Him either. Another good point you make: I too just need to get out of my own way. If I’m not watchful, I can cause so much difficulty for myself, with worrisome thoughts, self-pity, discontentment and more!
I really enjoy how you build a meaningful post from the simplest of images, Nancy. I would’ve asked where you found such an appropriate lead photo (had you not already answered) but then I realized the photo probably came before the message. The Psalm 119 passage is reassuring, even if our primary focus is to shine our light for all to see.
Thank you, Dave. This post began with Psalm 32:7 where David called God his hiding place. It was while researching what the full meaning of that phrase might be that I remembered the photo of our granddaughter. I realized it perfectly illustrated the inadequacy of the world’s securities. Good point about shining our light. We don’t want to hide our faith in Christ!
Was off a little the last 3 week due to the URI. You and Nancy Stafford so smoothly and easy to follow. If you get a chance, I highly recommend! “Beauty by the Book”. Keep up the hard work.
I’m so sorry about that URI–such a nuisance! Trust you are feeling much better by now. Thank you for your encouragement, Sam, and for your recommendation of Nancy Stafford’s books. I’ll certainly check them out!
This really speaks to me and where I am right now. The idea of hiding from things, postponing the truth that’s right there waiting to be dealt with, is something I grapple with daily. Thank you for your words.
Ah, Bridgette, don’t we all struggle with obedience! Even the apostle Paul did (Romans 7:14-25). Praise God for the good news that follows in Romans 8:1: “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!” Together we persevere, knowing that the more we live by God’s truth, the more contented and fulfilled we will be. Thank you for becoming a follower, Bridgette. I pray these posts will offer encouragement whenever you’re able to visit!
You have once again been such a wonderful inspiration to so many. In this day and time I find such hope and peace in knowing God is ever watching over us. I find myself turning to the book of Psalms for reassurance in these days of trouble.
Oh yes, Anita. The book of Psalms ministers to our spirits no matter what life might bring our way. Thank you for your encouragement, dear friend!
Yes, Nancy! Makes me think of John 14:27 as well: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Oh yes, praise God for his peace that surpasses understanding!