Hiding Place: The Next Door of Opportunity
You may have a place you plop down when you need to think or a location you frequent to get away. Life is demanding, and space is required to rest, reflect, and recover.
I have a number of quiet spaces—“happy places” if you will, which God uses to cleanse my mind and heal my heart. Time in His presence renews my energy to live for Him.
God is known by countless names and assumes numerous roles in the believer’s life. He is a sun and shield, a rock and fortress, a fountain and river. Out of them all, though, I’ve recently been thankful for God as a refuge.
He is a shelter, a hideaway, a covering. When I hurt, I run to Him. When I rejoice, I dance toward Him. When I wonder, I come to Him. He is safe, strong, and steadfast.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” – Psalm 91:1-2
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; You save me from violence.” – 2 Samuel 22:3
His embrace is comforting, His hand is gentle, and His arm is mighty. God of the nations is King of my heart, and He will not fail me.
“For You have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.” – Isaiah 25:4
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” – Proverbs 18:10
“The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their stronghold in the time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him.” – Psalm 37:39-40
The presence of the Lord God is refreshing, like the cool of a garden. He lovingly walks among His people and dwells in their midst.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:1-3
Everything God says will come to pass. Everything God does will be completed.
“Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” – Proverbs 30:5
“For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?” – Isaiah 14:27
The whole world could fall apart, but most assuredly, mine won’t … for I take refuge in God.
Some obligations are short-lived, like another season of tee ball or a friendly meeting over lunch. Others are lifelong commitments, like marriage or career.
Monumental, life-shaping decisions are often made thoughtfully and carefully. Rarely are they spontaneous choices or impulsive selections. They demand both intellect and emotion, mind and heart, and become a permanent part of a person’s life.
In recent Bible reading, I’ve noticed a recurring phrase. It surfaces in a variety of contexts and circumstances but always stands out to me. It speaks of lifetime dedication and ongoing desire.
“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children.” – Deuteronomy 4:9
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” – Psalm 23:6
“One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple.” – Psalm 27:4
Naturally, I set out to ponder this phrase. “All the days of one’s life” requires steadfastness, consistency, and trust. It signifies promise, dependability, and conviction, among other assets. I envision unswerving loyalty and faithful resolution.
My love for God should be so dominating that it informs my lifestyle, drives my decisions, and motivates my movement. Every breath of every day of my life is to be devoted to His glory and majesty.
God’s desire is for me (and everyone else) to choose life by consuming His commands, obeying His ordinances, and preserving His precepts. As a direct result of obedience, His blessings flow.
But most amazing to me are the enduring qualities of the Lord despite humanity’s failings and flaws. On the days of my life when I falter, God never does.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end.” – Lamentations 3:22
“If we are faithless, He remains faithful—for He cannot deny himself.” – 2 Timothy 2:13
Without a shadow of a doubt, God the Father vigilantly watches over, provides for, and protects His own.
“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when He delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand. I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.” – Psalm 37:23-25
And His own never cease to rejoice in Him and praise His name … all the days of their lives, and unto eternity.
There are classic stories and longtime fairy tales that everybody knows. But there are also lesser known accounts sprinkled about, awaiting discovery.
Perhaps you’ve stumbled upon one—a child’s book you adore or a well-written novel for the study. One of many reasons I love reading the Bible is that it is full of both.
There are the classics. Noah built the Ark. Moses parted the Red Sea. Daniel survived the Lion’s Den. Widely circulated narratives of heroes span Joseph’s coat to Esther’s beauty, Samson’s strength to Peter’s boldness. One doesn’t have to be a scholar to recognize the names Samuel, David, Mary, or John.
But amidst the main characters and larger-than-life dramas, some are tucked away. Tamar, once wrapped in a scandal, found herself in the lineage of Jesus. Onesimus, once a runaway slave, became a faithful servant. Joanna was numbered among the devoted women of Christ’s ministry.
Furthermore, some remain nameless. Yet their stories are told to remember them and glorify God.
You may have heard of the woman at the well, the man born blind, or the girl raised from the dead, who have become known by such descriptions. Sometimes, my mind dwells on their stories a while longer and imagines what it was really like for them.
They occupy a few verses, paragraphs, or pages of Scripture, but they were people full of hurts and hopes. They browsed the market, conversed with friends, swept the floor.
One of my favorites is recorded in Mark 5. Jesus sailed across the sea to perform one miracle for one man—completely transforming his life forever. And we don’t even catch his real name.
“When Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones … And Jesus asked him, ‘What is your name?’ He replied, ‘My name is Legion, for we are many.’”
So possessed was this man that his entire identity was shrouded. But Jesus commanded the demons and they fled.
“And people came to see what it was that had happened. And they came to Jesus and saw the demon-possessed man, the one who had had the legion, sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid.”
That man became the first evangelist for his community. I look forward to meeting him in Heaven, along with countless others standing by his side as testimonies of God’s limitless power and saving grace.
And still today, each and every one touched by the Savior becomes one of those stories.
Hindsight is said to be 20/20. Time and perspective often draw conclusions only perceived in the rearview.
I wonder if God’s people feel this, in some way, as His promises unfold. History proves God’s faithfulness, one prophecy and revelation at a time—each building upon another, all in perfect correlation and divine inspiration. After all, every iota and dot of the Law, the Prophets, and the Gospels center around Jesus.
He was identified as the source of hope after sin befell humanity (Genesis 3:15); foreshadowed in the spiritual leadership of God’s appointed (Deuteronomy 18:15); and spoken of repeatedly through the lips and pens of God’s anointed (1 Peter 1:10-11).
It became increasingly clearer as time lapsed, God spoke, and Scripture was compiled.
Then one day, when the fullness of time had come, fulfillment unfolded.
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14
The Promised Messiah was born, fully God and fully man. He grew up as a child, conducted ministry as an adult, endured the cross for sinners, and resurrected three days later.
All along, He taught His followers about Himself.
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” – Matthew 5:17
There was even a time He laid out the whole timeline in a walk-and-talk lecture.
“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” – Luke 24:27
Jesus Christ—the Son of God—is God Himself. He came to dwell among men and reveal the Father.
“I and the Father are one.” – John 10:30
“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” – 1 John 5:20
He is the source and end of all things. Everything points to Jesus!
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” – Colossians 1:15-17
Unequivocally, all glory belongs to Him. Forever!
“Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created … Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing! … To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” – Revelation 4:11, 5:12-13
You know someone provided clear directions or adequate instructions when you follow what they say and find it to be just as they described. How helpful to embark on a journey or walk through a process with well-defined guidelines and explicit directives!
Not surprisingly, this was Jesus’ approach during His time on earth. The Messiah came to fulfill the promises made about Him and explain the commands made to reflect Him. The Son of God spoke to man what His Father spoke to Him.
From the very start of His earthly ministry, Jesus expounded the Scriptures and foretold the future fulfillment of them. Most of the time, His listeners failed to understand. They would ask clarifying questions and receive wisdom from above. But it still didn’t click all the way.
Without fail, everything happened just like He said it would. When He commanded the dead to rise, they did. When He told the lame to walk, they did. When He rebuked the wind and waves to cease, they did. His followers were always in awe of the power of God on display through Him.
All along, He diligently prepared their hearts for His crucifixion. That day at Calvary would shake the faith of those who loved Him. But it would again be just as He said.
Jesus’ final meal was another proof.
“And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, His disciples said to Him, ‘Where will You have us go and prepare for You to eat the Passover?’ And He sent two of His disciples and said to them, ‘Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, “The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?” And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us.’ And the disciples set out and went to the city and found it just as He had told them, and they prepared the Passover.” – Mark 14:12-16
The subsequent events unfolded exactly the way He told them they would.
“The Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and He will be raised on the third day.” – Matthew 20:18-19
And then finally, when it was finished and the stone rolled away, angels appeared to confirm that all was according to God’s word.
“Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how He told you, while He was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” – Luke 24:5-7
Just as He said. And so will be every promise yet to come.
Certain things in life are irreversible. For example, a sunrise cannot be replicated. A shattered vase cannot be restored. A word cannot be revoked.
And a curtain torn in two is forever separated.
I am thanking the Lord for that with all my heart this Easter season. Jesus Christ, the Promised Messiah and Savior of the world, died on a cross to pay the wages of sin and reunite indebted sinners to God the Father. Unjustly beaten, unfairly mocked, unlawfully crucified, He breathed His last and altered the eternal state of heaven and earth.
“It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit!” And having said this He breathed His last.” – Luke 23:44-46
That curtain was the intricately woven fabric that hung so carefully in the sanctuary of God. Patterned after the divine instruction originally provided Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness for the traveling dwelling place of God, known as the Tabernacle, the drapery separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
A consecrated priest could enter the Holy of Holies but once a year to atone for sin and appear before the very Mercy Seat of God on behalf of the people. That throne room, as it were, was isolated from laymen and bystanders, who were tainted by iniquity and therefore denied access to a perfect God.
I envision myself there, a lonely wanderer in the wasteland of sin. Cut off from fellowship with God because of my own rebellion against Him. Hopeless without a sacrifice acceptable to Him. Lost without a righteousness credited to my account.
But Jesus.
The One who crossed the chasm, bridged the breach, healed the hole.
“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” – Isaiah 53:3-6
The curtain put in place because of sin was once for all ripped down the middle to grant the one who believes entry into God’s presence and acceptance into His fellowship. Christ alone has broken down the dividing wall of hostility and reconciled sinners to God.
Abby
Imagine a canyon. A rift splits the earth in two, forming a gaping ravine.
One could call it a chasm—an empty, impassable space separating one side, one world, one soul from another. So illustrates the story of salvation, good news for the ear that will hear.
Before the beginning, God was. He created the heavens and the earth, forming man in His image. Human beings thrived in paradise and communion with their Maker. An innocent, whole union.
It didn’t take long for them to disobey God’s command. Humanity plunged into sin and shame, death and despair. Trust was broken, relationship violated, everything cursed. A deep, searing divide.
Now every baby born into the human population emerges on the side of sin, far from God’s righteousness and goodness.
But God’s steadfast love is so unfathomably profound that He had a plan all along to rescue His wayward children. At the scene of the first crime, He promised—an offspring to bruise the enemy’s head and crush him forever (Genesis 3:15).
The prophets foretold according to God’s revelation. The people endured according to God’s grace.
“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to Him you shall listen.” – Deuteronomy 18:15
“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14
“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for Me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” – Micah 5:2
It took countless years and numerous generations for the Promise to arrive … but the Savior appeared at just the right time to fulfill God’s plan.
“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” – Galatians 2:4-5
This wasn’t just any hero come to save, but the Son of God Himself.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” – 1:29
“He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” – 1 John 2:2
So God’s great love bridged an unbridgeable gap, crossed an uncrossable divide, and restored hopeless sinners to the living hope of eternal life. 1 Timothy 3:16 summarizes,
“He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.”
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” – Ephesians 2:13
A breeze tickles the leaves of the trees around you as you make your way through the forest. A bird chirps in the distance, a fly buzzes by your ear, and a wall of jagged rocks plunges downward to your left. You must concentrate on the trail, thinking carefully about each step and strategically selecting your path.
Likening life to a hike is not a new analogy, but it sure does paint a picture of trust and determination. At times the route is straightforward; at other times, masked. Sometimes there are multiple options to choose from; other times, choices are limited. Occasionally, the direction is clear; but most times, there’s only enough context to make the next move.
I guess that’s the thrilling and terrifying adventure of life … especially for one who journeys with God.
I’ve always been the investigative type who collects all possible information, assesses all potential options, and then makes the most educated decision based on the resources available. While this might be a rational approach to decision-making, it is not the most feasible method for living. And if I walk by faith, that automatically limits the authority of my logic.
Proverbs 3:5-6 is a well-rehearsed guide for the Christian.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
Isaiah 55:8-9 assures the believer that God’s ways are far superior.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
Clearly, my musing, pondering, and planning can only get me so far. My own mind and resolve would land me far from where God’s power and will desire to take me. When I surrender to Him, though, He begins to teach and guide me.
“Make me to know Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths.” – Psalm 25:4
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9
I am finding that the luxury of knowing is not often afforded to me. But God has given me a brain to think, a heart to feel, and a body to move. It is my job to seek Him prayerfully and obey Him diligently.
I might not (and in fact, likely won’t) catch vision of the way forward or even make out the final destination … but, in prayer and obedience, I can be confident enough to take the next right step. And then the next one. And on from there.
I may find myself somewhere I never saw coming. I could end up taking the long way around or wind up on a detour. But if all the while I am growing closer to the Lord, then I see great value in taking it one step at a time.
Abby
A vibrant rainbow graces the sky after a nasty rainstorm … Daring buds burst out of hibernation after a long, lifeless winter … Soil is replenished and creatures return after a ravaging fire. Nature merely reflects the truth that God works good out of evil.
Romans 8:28 declares, “For those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”
One of my favorite examples is Joseph, a man who suffered many injustices for the purpose of God. His words to his offenders stand in history: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).
So too, believers are to embrace hardship in full confidence and with joyful hope.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” – James 1:2-4
“We rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame.” – Romans 5:2-5
What seems exacting and unfeeling is really loving and merciful.
“It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? … For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness.” – Hebrews 12:7, 10
We delight in our heavenly inheritance, the prize.
“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” – 1 Peter 1:6-7
Through the brutal yet beautiful process … God is glorified, His people sanctified.
“For You, O God, have tested us; You have tried us as silver is tried … We went through fire and through water; yet You have brought us out to a place of abundance.” – Psalm 66:10, 12
“Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.” – Isaiah 48:10
Our God is Master Craftsman of the soul.
“The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts.” – Proverbs 17:3
Certainly, “He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).
So when I face difficulty, who can I turn to but God?
“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will stand upon the earth.” – Job 19:25
“I’m here for you.” “You can count on me.” “I do.” Powerful expressions convey a message of loyalty, commitment, and dedication to another, no matter what.
The human soul needs a friend, a partner to walk through life with, talk to, and lean on in times of victory and defeat, joy and sorrow, confidence and uncertainty. It is that way because God made it to be so.
It began when God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him” (Genesis 2:18). Ever since, godly community has been affirmed throughout Scripture and established in Christ.
“And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” – Ecclesiastes 4:12
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” – Psalm 133:1
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together … but encouraging one another.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
The only thing better than fellowship with godly people is communion with God Himself. And He is far from a fair-weather friend. His fatherly promise is to hold, defend, protect, nurture, and guide every child who clings to Him.
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” – Deuteronomy 31:8
Through every circumstance, trial, and tribulation, God remains faithful.
“But now thus says the Lord, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.’” – Isaiah 43:1-2
Indeed, “the mountains [could] be moved into the heart of the sea, its waters roar and foam, [and] the mountains tremble at its swelling,” but “we will not fear though the earth gives way” (Psalm 46:2-3).
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble … The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” – 1, 7
“For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in.” – Psalm 27:10
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4
Promise after promise, grace after grace pour forth from the Friend of friends, a Father and Savior who cares inexpressibly deeply for His own. In every instant, every temptation, every tussle, every triumph, and every letdown, God is right there, nearer than ever. He gives comfort, wisdom, and discipline, all according to His love and purpose.
Abby