You can’t see me!
My Abigail loves to play a hiding game. Often, she will have her hands covering HER eyes, and squeal, “You can’t find me!” She thinks because SHE can’t see ME, I can’t see HER! Of course, her giggles erupt when I pretend that I have no idea where she is, calling out, “Where can she be? Where’s Abigail?”
It reminds me of Adam and Eve hiding from God in the Garden (Genesis 3). I am sure an all-knowing God KNEW where His children were, but He calls out for them.
But, they are hiding.
Hiding from God.
Hiding from their shame.
Hiding because of what they had done.
And, like them, how many times do I “hide” from God, pretending that He can’t “see” me? My shame drives me away and I try to cover myself (like Adam and Eve did with fig leaves).
But, God calls to me. He tells me that WHEN I SIN, when I fall, when I feel so ashamed, don’t turn away and HIDE. No, this is the time to COME to Him and be covered by His grace. In the Garden, God takes the fig leaves from Adam and Eve and He replaces them with HIS covering, animal skins. He made an animal blood sacrifice to cover their sin. But, the blood of Jesus Christ covers our sin and takes away our shame. When we don’t want to be seen, THIS is the time to “show ourselves” to God and receive His grace!
Hiding also reminds me of another who tried to hide from God- Jonah. Remember this stubborn fellow? God had an important job for him to do, but Jonah was scared and didn’t trust God, so he ran away and hid on board a ship going the exact OPPOSITE direction God had told him to go!
Hmmmm……..
Ever find yourself hiding from God, going the exact opposite direction God has told you to go?
When we are tempted to “pull a Jonah,” we need to pray for more faith and make a decision to trust God….to BELIEVE Him and surrender to His calling. Like the father in Mark 9, we must cry out, “Lord, I believe, but help my unbelief!” We need to encourage ourselves with the Truth that God is always with us and will never leave us, that He has good plans for us, His ways are perfect, and He will direct our steps when we trust in Him. We need to renew our minds with His Word, “Be strong and courageous.” Remember that “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
And, always remember, when your hands are covering your eyes, you may not be able to see God, but He sees (AND LOVES!) you!
“O LORD, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely, O LORD. You hem me in- behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me….Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your right hand will hold me fast.” Psalm 139:1-10
Father, thank You for loving me so much. Thank You that You know me completely and that I have no where to hide from Your love! Lord, You are so gracious and good, desiring to take away my shame. Lord, thank You for the blood of Jesus that covers me. Help me, Lord, to NOT hide from You, but always to come to You for healing and restoration. Help me to trust You in times when I want to hide from Your plans for me. I love You, Lord! In Jesus’ Name we pray! AMEN!
Tracy
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Joining you in this precious prayer, love you.
Tracy,
I loved it and it was just what I needed to read this morning! “Lord, I believe, but help my unbelief!” I have to uncover my eyes in order to disover.
Love you!
I loved the picture you painted of your daughter playing peek-a-boo…it is a perfect example of how we try to hide from God and His way. But, all the while, when we have our eyes covered to Him, He is right there watching over us. God is so faithful — what a blessing! I’m praying the prayer, too!
I learn so many lessons from my children. He uses the little ones abundantly, doesn’t He? And this story was in my Bible readings just this morning: Lord, I believe, help my unbelief. Hmmm. Wonder what God is trying to tell me by repeating that lesson? I better get on my knees…
Just found your blog and have so enjoyed being here! Wow-how I could relate to todays post and thank you for sharing!Look forward to following you and please drop by my blog when you have time:
Days Touched By Grace and Simple Womans Daybook.
Blessings.