Hidden in Plain Sight!

Often, while following Facebook posts, I will come across one of those photos that asks you to find the different number or letter amid a sea of sameness. Other times there is a hidden object within a photo. Recently, I have twice received a photo of an outdoor scene with a hidden giraffe. In the scene the giraffe looks almost like a tree trunk. Giving just a cursory glance to this photo, the giraffe would never be seen. But as I looked intently at the photo, I fairly quickly found the it. Although the leaves of the tree behind it and the giraffe’s height gave it the appearance of a tall tree trunk, I promptly saw his face staring straight ahead. The second time I received this photo my eyes went immediately to the giraffe.

Contemplating the presence of God in our lives, this photo is indicative of how things often are in the spiritual realm. The presence of God is often hidden in plain sight. He has promised to never leave us. “… for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]”  (Hebrews 13:5 AMP) Although God is always near, we sometimes have to look for Him amid the clutter and distraction of daily life. It may take a little while and some searching to find Him, but He is near. “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him sincerely and in truth.” (Psalm 145:18 AMP) We continue to seek and call upon Him and His presence will become apparent in every area of life.

On the repeat posting of the hidden giraffe picture, my eyes went directly to the giraffe while I recognized, but barely noticed, the remaining scene. The longer we walk with God, the quicker we will be able to see Him in the events of our lives. We become accustomed to His appearance as we learn more about His character. When His presence is not readily obvious to our natural eyes, we learn to seek with our whole heart. “But as for me, I will look to the Lord and confident in Him I will keep watch; I will wait with hope and expectancy for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” (Micah 7:7 AMP)

Looking for God is a habit learned. The more we develop a lifestyle of spending time in His Word, the more that habit will become regular part of our lives. It is imperative that we look to the teachings of Jesus Christ. By seeing Jesus we will see God. “[Now] He is the exact likeness of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible]; He is the Firstborn of all creation. For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him.” (Colossians 1:15-16 AMP)

Scripture gives instruction as to how we can see God. The motives of our hearts are critical. When we align our thoughts and desires with God’s desires and our hearts become pure. “Blessed (happy, enviably fortunate, and spiritually prosperous—possessing the happiness produced by the experience of God's favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His grace, regardless of their outward conditions) are the pure in heart, for they shall see God!” (Matthew 5:8 AMP) In this we must always seek to live in peace. “Strive to live in peace with everybody and pursue that consecration and holiness without which no one will [ever] see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14 AMP) By seeking peace and purity we will become more aware of God’s presence in every aspect of life. The circumstances of life pale as we focus on God.

God is all around us. For that which is known about God is evident to them and made plain in their inner consciousness, because God [Himself] has shown it to them. For ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made intelligible and clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made (His handiworks). So [men] are without excuse [altogether without any defense or justification]” (Romans 1:19-20 AMP) Through time in His Word, prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit, we can see God over the fray of life.

Bring God to the forefront of your vision. He can be found in every scene, if you simply and regularly look.