I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not sin against you. Praise
be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all
the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider
your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
Psalm 119: 11-16
There are so many simple games that never go out of style. Babies love the game of peek-a-boo. Just covering your face for a moment results in high-pitched squeals and intense giggles of delight when you reappear. Toddlers and preschoolers enjoy hiding under a blanket, creating a tent, and lifting the flap books to discover the mysterious pictures concealed from their view.
Of course, everyone knows that one of the most timeless and engaging games for older children is Hide and Seek. After players scatter for cover, “it” counts to the agreed upon number yelling, “Ready or not, here I come!” It is at this point that those hidden from view hold their breath, stifle their sneezes, and may even sneak to a new hideaway.
Many books have been written around this same theme. As a mom and educator, one classic tale that I am familiar with, and maybe you are, too, is The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown. In this story, the wee bunny imagines, teases, and tests his mom when he states that he would like to run away. The mother assures her baby that no matter where he goes, she will always find him. Like the bunny, the reader is comforted by the parent’s Godly faithfulness and love.
Suchlike in my relationship with God, I am reminded in Scripture that I can run but I cannot hide: “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up 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 hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,’ even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you” (Psalm 139: 7: 12).
These verses remind me that God is the One and only steadfast presence in my life. I, like the baby bunny, still tend to run and hide when life gets difficult. In my frailty, I pretend no one can see me. No one can find me. First, in small ways I withdraw, hoping to become invisible. Then I might procrastinate from certain chores and go shopping instead. But I am learning from my mistakes. I baked for every bake sale and joined endless committees thinking I needed to prove myself. Drawing close to Jesus, I have learned that I am fine just the way I am.
It can be a challenge to continually listen with our hearts. There was a time when I wore so many different hats that I forgot which one I actually had on. When a woman’s life is out of balance, we tend to think we need to do it all. Feeling burdened and alone without tapping into the Spirit, in our humanness, we give in. We may let the kids fend for themselves as we get lost scrolling on our phones. Maybe we have that extra drink or mindlessly eat that entire hidden box of Wheat Thins. Too easily, we can develop unhealthy, addictive behaviors. The presence of evil lurking among us can be loud and produce fear.
I need to remember fear paralyzes but faith mobilizes. Maybe you do, too. The hand tugging at our heart strings is persistent, gentle, and always ready when we are. The Parable of the Wandering Sheep reminds us that no matter how far we roam, the Father will lead us home:
“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine that did not wander off? In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish” (Matthew 18: 12-14).
When all I want to do is run away, the Good Shepherd is running towards me. All I have to do is believe. For my God is a Promise Keeper, and will always lead me back to the fold where I belong. Won’t you come, too?
Let’s pray.
Jesus,
I thank you for the countless times that you have held me close to your heart. When I am heavily burdened, you carry me securely back to where I belong. I am forever grateful that you are my Good Shepherd. Thank you for nourishing me by your Word. Help me to obey your voice within my heart, for it is you who guide me through life’s questions and challenges. May I take a leap of faith to reach out and lovingly shepherd others, too.
Amen.
My dear friend, it’s an honor and privilege to journey together.
Dwell in possibility, and know that you are deeply loved.
Until next time…
May the Spirit of God lead you, the Word of God sustain you, and the promises of God grant you the gift of everlasting peace.
With love and blessings...
I love hearing from you. Let’s keep the conversation going. Send your prayer requests, praise reports, and insights to sue@faithfirstwomen.com and I will get back to you soon,
Connection Questions
~Reflect upon how God’s love seeks and saves. What do you need to be rescued from? How will the Lord guide you?
~God is not satisfied until his children are safe at home. Describe what safe looks like and feels like.
~How does God’s protecting unconditional love help you accept your authentic self?
This reflection was first published in Nourish Your Soul: 7 Secrets for Women Seeking Peace. https://amzn.to/30ULiZN
Be sure to sign up for the Blog at www.faithfirstwomen.com
Join us on Instagram at https://instagram.faithfirstwomen.com or follow us on Facebook at https://facebook.comFaithFirstWomen for additional inspiration throughout the week.
***
Pick up your free “20 Inspirational Quotes to Guide Your Day” here: https://www.faithfirstwomen.com/20-inspirational-quotes
***
Sue Dick, Author of Nourish Your Soul: 7 Secrets for Women Seeking Peace
You may view our Privacy Policy here
For questions or inquiries please email sue@faithfirstwomen.com
Comments