Do Not Quit at Halftime!

This NFL season has been rough, containing many injuries.  Many teams have had players out for several games, needing to heal.  The Green Bay Packers have definitely seen their share of medical setbacks.  This has led to some heartbreaking losses for the team and fans alike.

In the past two games, the Packers have been significantly behind at halftime. During the game 10 days ago, we had other commitments and were unable to watch the second half. When we later heard the final score, we were amazed to find out the Packers had won. We then went back through the recording of the game to watch the plays that had led to victory.

Then, this past Sunday, score was even worse at halftime. The Packers were down 26 – 3. Not only was there a 23 point difference, all of their offensive efforts had yielded only one field goal. As the team left the field for the locker room at halftime, there did not seem to be much hope. My husband did not even want to watch the second half. Again the news came that the Packers have pulled it out in the last minute and a half. The final score was 37 - 36; Packers.  We again went back and watched the highlights, but I sure wish we had watched it play out live.

Have you ever felt that life circumstances are so overwhelming that there was no way out? Does it seem like the enemies of God are gaining ground, and your faith does not produce results? Do you consider quitting? You are not alone.

We have many promises in the Bible that we are on the winning team.  “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28 NLT)  God tells us that all things will work out for good.  He just does not tell us how long it will take or when that is going to occur. 

There are several occasions in the Bible when it appears that the enemies have won. After fleeing Egypt, the Israelites came up to a seemingly dead and at the Red Sea. But then the sea parted. (See Exodus 14)  The Philistine army, with their giant Goliath, seemed far stronger than the Israelite army. But David, a young man with a slingshot, won the battle. (See 1 Samuel 17) Elisha’s servant was terrified at the oncoming armies until his eyes were open to see the heavenly armies with chariots of fire that surrounded them. (See 2 Kings 6)  In any of these cases, stopping halfway through would have been disastrous. The victory was still ahead. The darkness of the current circumstances did not change the victorious plan that God had. In times of great trial hanging onto God and seeing it through is the only proper course of action.

The greatest example of the appearance of insurmountable loss is the death of our Savior, Jesus Christ. On that He was crucified, it looked as though the devil had killed Messiah and thwarted God’s plan.  I’m sure the hours that followed were heart wrenching. But after what seemed like a great defeat, came the greatest victory: the resurrection! This victory surpassed even want the people of that day hoped for and prayed for.  All things, even that horrible death of Jesus, worked together for our good.

In an interview on Monday with Coach McCarthy, the question was asked about the mood in the locker room at halftime. The reply was filled with such wisdom. Coach McCarthy stated that they had not spoken of the problems of the first half. They had gone back to the basics and reviewed what they needed to do. 

For the child of God this is also great wisdom. Return to the basics of what you know. “God loves me!” “I have been redeemed by the sacrifice of Jesus” “God will never leave me nor forsake me” “God has a plan for my life and He will see me to the end” Continue reciting the many truths and promises you have from God.  Go back to the play book, the Bible, and prepare for the next moves in your life.

After speaking about the righteous and the wicked, King David proclaimed, “I have been young and now am old, yet have I not seen the [uncompromisingly] righteous forsaken or their seed begging bread.”  (Psalm 37:25 AMP) In the midst of past struggles, I have felt as though this verse was mocking me. With a mountain of medical difficulties in the corresponding bills, groceries were often hard to come by. But now that I am older and looking back, I can see that we made it through. Some of those times were very difficult.  Other difficulties still affect our daily lives.  Yet we are still here. The Word of God is always true!

So today, regardless of what your circumstances look like, review the basics and get back in the game. Let me assure you, the second half is on its way!

Safe in the Perfect Fort

Watching as the snow falls outside, I ponder many childhood memories of past snowfalls. There are snow angels, snowmen, snowballs and those wonderful snow forts.  From the safety of a well-built snow fort you can build up an arsenal of white packed spheres and pummel your opponent with freshly made snowballs.  When they attempt to return fire, all you have to do is crouched behind the walls and you remain safe in your fort. 

The walls of our forts were not some thrown together buildup of snow. We carefully filled rectangular containers to form our bricks. The bricks were then layered in rows and build to a safe height. Not only was the structure sturdy and secure, but it looked quite intimidating as well. Here we could sit and plan our strategy. We could also pretend that we were in an igloo that was our home. The whole adventure was quite fun. 

Whether it is a cold snowy day in the park, a hot summer day in the backyard or a corner of the living room; children love to build forts. Forts come in all shapes and sizes. They can consist of a hard packed wall of snow, a tent, a tree house, or even a blanket draped over a card table. There is just something about that security of a tight, hidden spot, where the rest of the world is walled out. After a short time spent in the spot, returning to the big world seems just a bit less intimidating. 

Why do children like to play in forts so much? There are a number of reasons. First and foremost is the sense of security and safety the fort provides. But there’s a lot more to it. Forts are the most fun when shared with friends. Here, friends can share secrets. They can play and talk without anyone bothering them. But when the world seems cruel, that same fort can be a place to run to, to be alone and away from everything else.  It is a place one can call his/her own. 

I believe this desire for a fort is placed in our hearts by our Heavenly Father. He wants to be a hiding place and our impenetrable fortress.  He longs to be the one we run to. “Lord, you are my strength and fortress, should my refuge in the day of trouble.” (Jeremiah 16:19a NLT)  In the many verses on this topic, there was a frequent occurrence of four words.  Refuge, stronghold, fortress and high tower are often found together. Other similar words also describe our Heavenly Father as our protector. All describe a safety that calms fears when we simply trust.  “THE LORD is my Light and my Salvation—whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1 AMP) 

I have always loved following passage. ^“HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].  I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!” (Psalm 91:1-2 AMP) I can almost picture myself on the edge of a high cliff, shadowed by the massive presence God, God is quietly speaking with me. It’s a time of sharing those father/daughter kind of secrets. It’s always comforting, yet I know that scary things are going on all around us. I feel this way whenever I spend time alone with God. This, to me, carries the sense of two best friends sharing from the depths of their hearts in that safe place.  Only, one friend is much bigger and stronger. 

I remember watching as my young son invited his daddy into his small, makeshift fort. It had been an oversized table cloth draped over our kitchen table. My six-foot five husband had a difficult time maneuvering his way into that small space. But there was such a joy as my son shared that secret hiding place with his dad. Though I had been invited in at other times, I knew that there was an unseen sign stating, “Private!  Keep out.”  This was father/son time. 

So when is the last time you have run to that secret place with the Father? When is the last time you invited him into your space?  He waits every day to meet with you there.  Today, let your heart cry be this. “Be to me a rock of refuge in which to dwell, and a sheltering stronghold to which I may continually resort, which You have appointed to save me, for You are my Rock and my Fortress.” (Psalm 71:3 AMP)  Run to that safe place where you can talk, share secrets and even play for a while. It’s time for some Father/child time.

Don't Spill the Beans - Divy Them Up

One morning recently, I had set a pot of beans on very low heat to soak and simmer all day. After only 30 minutes the beans had absorbed much of the water and grown considerably in volume. If the entire amount of beans was left in that pot along with additional water, there was a good chance that the pot would overflow by the time I returned from work. I considered chancing it but decided to split the beans into two crock pots and add plenty of water to each. When I arrived home, it was apparent that I had made the right choice. Each pot was two thirds full. Had all the beans been left in one, it would have surely overflowed.

During the 30 minute period the beans were absorbing water, I had been challenged by a book I was reading concerning envy. The chapter addressed being envious of others who share the similar gifting and calling as you. Looking at the pot of beans that was soaking, I saw an illustration of this.  I laughed at my momentary consideration of leaving all the beans in one pot. There was very little value to that and very great risk. I simply wanted to hoard and keep all the beans in first pot, not giving any up to a second pot.  What is even funnier is that these pots were part of a three crock pot unit.  The unit was designed to share the load.

Likewise, a fleeting thought of envy or jealousy can lead to a wrong decision. Had I not responded quickly and split the beans I would’ve had a mess to clean. When we do not quickly recognize and respond properly to the temptation of jealousy there will be disastrous results.  It can harm the person of whom we are jealous.  It will most definitely harm us.  There is always a mess that follows envy.

It can be especially difficult to fight off envy when someone is experiencing more of something  you believe God has called you to. The desire we have to excel in that same area is from God. When He places abilities in and equips us for a particular task, he also places a longing in us to fulfill that call. How we react when we see someone else succeed is very important. We must keep our hearts and minds set on God and his plan for us. We must not only be willing to be content with what God has given us to do, but also willingly share with others whom He has called.  We can never focus on what he is doing in someone else’s life. Focusing on God’s intent for us will bring peace and joy.  “A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones.”  (Proverbs 14:30 AMP) 

God has plenty of gifts and calls to go around. There is much work to be done for the kingdom. No person can do it solo.  God uses many people to do the same thing, “And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11 AMP)  This verse states that He calls some, not that He has called only one to any of these duties. And just like His ‘big’ ministry calls, many will be called to do similar things every day for the kingdom. We are each bound to find others who are also called to similar tasks as we are. 

As it turned out, there were plenty of beans for two meals. Each pot of beans soup could now be made with different types of broth and seasoning. This would be putting the unique flavor to each. Likewise, two people can operate in similar callings with their own unique personalities and mannerisms. Their unique flavors will appeal to different people. The value to the kingdom will be far greater with every believer supporting each other as they serve God. When one becomes seemingly more successful, it is important to remember, Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief].”(Romans 12:15AMP)  There may also be ample time to share in the grief or weeping this other person endures later in life. Knowing who we are in the Lord and trusting His plans for us will make both rejoicing and weeping with others a genuine and natural response. 

It’s kind of funny. I could actually be jealous of the woman who wrote the book that challenged me on this topic. She’s writing and selling great books that challenge and encourage many women. Here I am writing a story about two pots of beans. But in reality, I am so grateful for her faithfulness to write and teach as God leads. Though I may never meet her, I am blessed by her work. For now, I am content and will trust God to share something of His character through stories about my dogs, my coffee, my family and even two pots of beans.

Take Daddy's Hand!

While our children are small, we want them to hold onto our hand whenever we are out in public. The primary reason for this is safety. We do not want them to find themselves in a place of danger or harm. We do not want them to be separated from us. We want to protect and keep our beloved children close to our side.  We give our children directions to ‘Stay by my side!’ and ‘Hold my hand!’

Curiosity can be great when a small child is in a new and exciting environment. Simply wandering off can be due to simple inattention, not always disobedience or rebellion. When constant handholding was not practical, I attached to attach a leash to both my wrist and by young son’s. He was as fast as lightning. I could barely turn my head and he would be gone. This could be very dangerous when shopping.  The lease kept him close, yet gave him some freedom.

Once, when Jon was about three years old, we were at a very busy Do It Yourself store. As I stood in line near the exit, the two women behind me began discussing my choice for protecting my son. They did not even try to speak quietly, as they commented that a ‘child should never be leashed like a dog.’ I listened for a moment, before turning around and informing them that this little child ran far faster than I did. I told them, “Child abuse would be to put him in a situation where he could run out into traffic, before I could reach and stop him.”

Father God wants to hold our hands securely in his. He wants his close by his side at all times. “Come close to God, and God will come close to you.”  (James 4:8a NLT)  When the world outside seems a big and scary place we do not have to fear. Our father God has said, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.  Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NLT)

Like I did for my son, our Heavenly Father will use whatever method necessary to keep us from getting too far from him. Others may not understand. They may consider us foolish for remaining tied to him. We may not even understand that we need to be tethered to God to prevent wandering too far away. We don’t always see the dangers that are very near those things that attract us. But God sees and protects in ways we may never realize.  He will give us some freedom, yet keep us safe. 

It can be quite frustrating when a child refuses to offer his hand. Repeated squirming and wiggling attempts to separate the little hand from the large safe hand can be a display of self-will and rebellion. Likewise, our self will can throw a spiritual tantrum. God continues to watch out for us, even when we are disobedient.  Speaking of the new covenant through Jesus Christ, the writer of Hebrews referred to the Israelites of old.  “This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of the land of Egypt.” (Hebrews 8:9a NLT)  They were rebellious to the leading of God’s servant, yet He took hold of them and led them out.

It is very encouraging what a young child willingly clings to a parent’s hand. This shows an awareness of the need to remain connected to the security and protection his parents bring. When we hear the Father say, ‘Take My hand,’ we should willingly obey.  The path ahead may be difficult, but His strength will be enough.  “Even there shall Your hand lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.” (Psalm 139:10 AMP) It is pleasant to walk without a struggle.The greatest joy comes when the child reaches up to take your hand without having to be asked,  He not only knows of his need for you, but desires to be by your side.  When we approach God, it will bring joy to His heart if we come willingly and enthusiastically.  Take His hand today with a heart like the Psalmist.  “Nevertheless I am continually with You; You do hold my right hand.” (Psalm 73:23 AMP) 

There is great joy and peace, walking hand in hand with your Heavenly Father.  Take a walk today.

Before the Surprise

For my 14^th birthday, my mother planned a surprise party for me. Six weeks later, I would graduate from eighth-grade and my friends and I would be split between two high schools. She wanted this year’s birthday to be extra special and include all my good friends.  That was the plan. What led up to that night was far different than what she had expected.

During the two weeks prior to the party, I found myself doubting many of my friendships. I had always had a poor self-image. Although I had many friends, I never really accepted that they truly liked me as I was. I always felt that I was one step away, one wrong word away, from losing them all. So when I began to walk up to a group of these friends and the conversation abruptly ended or changed, I was sure it was because they did not want me around anymore. The first time this happened, I tried to explain it away. As this happened repeatedly, I began crying myself to sleep by the end of the two weeks. Not willing to admit this to anyone, even my parents, I suffered this heartbreak alone.

The night of my birthday finally came. My mother had told me that she and my grandmother were going to take me out to dinner to celebrate. When we arrived at my grandmother’s house, she asked me to take a bag of glass jars down to her basement before we left. I still remember feeling that even on my birthday, I had to work. When I reached the bottom step the lights came on and yells of “Surprise!” filled the room.  My knees went weak and I nearly dropped that bag of jars leaving broken glass on the floor.

The night proceeded with fun and laughter. I finally had the courage to share my fears with these friends. We laughed as we discussed how conversations had been about ride arrangements, gift ideas and the disappointment of the two guys who were unable to attend due to a wrestling meet. What I had perceived as rejection had, in fact, been preparation for a huge blessing. They had actually been trying their hardest to not give away the surprise. When I would walk up at an inopportune moment, they had feared that I would realize what was truly going on.

Looking at how things turned out in my life, I often see parallels. Not all things have been easy; in fact, many events have been quite difficult. I have found myself over the years asking God why he let me endure certain things. I have also found, from the other side of these trials, that all I endured was necessary for the full benefit of the blessing to come. It was my misperception of the circumstances and the hearts of my friends that caused far more pain than the circumstances themselves. It is a constant reminder to remember one of the attributes ascribed to true love, “Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person.” (1 Corinthians 13:7a AMP)   Think the best of others. 

Secrecy among my friends was critical to pull off the surprise party. God’s secrecy during difficult times is often critical to the character development He has planned for us.  That is when we can take total comfort in the promise of Jeremiah^,  “For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome,” (Jeremiah 29:11 AMP) Even through tears, we can remind ourselves of this promise, “and we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 ESV) 

Sometimes, we believe that we know the best way. That way would most likely be comfortable. Sometimes we are not happy with the fact that God is calling the shots. “But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases.” (Psalm 115:3 AMP)  We can become frustrated when we remember the words the prophet Isaiah. ^”For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord.” (Isaiah 55:8 AMP) But we must never forget the next verse in that passage.  ”For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9 AMP) The next verses go on to speak of many things that God does routinely that are way beyond our ability or even our comprehension. If we remember all of this, we can remain confident when our life circumstances are confusing, uncomfortable and beyond our control.

Are these things easy to do? In our own power they are impossible! But I have found two key steps by which I can, in the power provided by the Holy Spirit, remain fairly stable in the difficult times of my life. The first comes from Proverbs.  “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)  I truly know that he is wiser than I and always trustworthy.  I have also learned to, ”Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4 AMP)   Even through tears, I can remind myself of how big God is and how great his love for me remains.  This will bring the feelings of joy I may lack in the moment.

Just like that surprise party followed a very difficult time for me, some of the greatest development in my character, or the blessings of others, have also followed difficult times. Sometimes, I have responded similarly to that 14-year-old who let emotions and misconceptions cause unnecessary pain. Other times, and more often recently, I have walked in greater trust. The difficulties are the same, but having joy and peace in the midst of them is beyond compare.

So when the times are roughest, remember to trust, love and praise.  The journey through the trials will be far more pleasant.  The end will always be God’s best for you!

Go Where He Goes

The Christmas season is here, and the house is decorated. Part of our decorating is putting up my Christmas village. On our very first Christmas together, David gave me a Victorian Village starter set that contained three buildings and some accessories. Each year since, we have added a piece or two to the collection.

Because some of our village set is placed a shelf that runs along the wall, we must rearrange our furniture. The couch that regularly sits against that wall is so tall that it hides part of the houses. So when we begin to decorate our den, the couch and loveseat trade places to leave an open view the entire village. The couch we have moved is where I spent a lot time. This is the couch I go to every morning to spend time with God. So when the couch moves, so do I. I also generally sit at the opposite end of the couch during this time. (I’m not sure why, but it’s been this way for years.)

This last week since the furniture has been moved, my dogs, particularly Kari, have not been coming to sit by me as usual. Most mornings, one or the other will climb up and cuddle next to me as I read and pray. Beamer has come around some, but Kari has been going over to the loveseat. This morning I changed position and sat on the opposite end of the couch.  (This is where I prefer to be when the den furniture is in its regular configuration.) I was able to coax Kari up next to me. As I sat there, I realized that for her everything had changed. The furniture had moved, and so had I. It is the same room Kari is accustomed to, but things are out of place. I am out of place and beckon her to my right side when she is familiar with my left. She has not readily adapted.

This makes me think about how we approach God. People pray, frequently asking God to move in their lives. We talk about mighty moves of God. We may even ask to see Him move in our current circumstances.  But are we willing to move with Him?  Are we willing to search for Him?

When I approach the Father, do I go to the last place I met with him? Do I become disconcerted, if things are not as have become familiar? Do I even become just a bit standoffish because things are not as they had been? I have to admit that sometimes I am a bit slow in changing with the seasons of my life. I sometimes feel as though I need to catch up with God. I have been trying to meet with Him where and how we have always met before.  I do not see that He has rearranged things to show the beauty of something new in my life.  When He moves, I must move with Him.

In the Bible God did things differently on different occasions. Moses was told to strike a rock one time to get water, but the next time he was only to speak to it. (See Exodus 17 and Numbers 20) There was a time that the Ark of the Covenant was in a tent that moved with the Israelites.  Later it was placed in the temple and the people came to it. The Samaritan Woman asked Jesus where it was proper to worship God.  Jesus’ reply surprised her, for it was not a place at all.  ^“ A time will come, however, indeed it is already here, when the true (genuine) worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth (reality); for the Father is seeking just such people as these as His worshipers.” (John 4:23 AMP)

The religious leaders in the day of Jesus were looking for things as they had always been. Jesus came providing a new way to the Father. Many people did not like this. They wanted things as they had always been, the way they believed to be right. But those who held to the old missed out on the true work of God in the earth. They missed out on the salvation that Jesus offers us. They missed out on coming boldly before the throne of God, through Jesus. “Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].”(Hebrews 4:16 AMP)

Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19 AMP) God has promised to do new things in our lives. This may entail new ways for us to meet with him, to hear him and to know him. This verse also says that we must perceive, or recognize, it.  I don’t ever want to get so comfortable in any aspect of my relationship with the Lord that I am unwilling to change my ways. I want to recognize when He moves and then rearrange my life, much like my den, when He rearranges my life. I do not ever want to continue to search the old when God is calling me toward the new.

 How about you? Are you ready to search for God when and where he is doing that new thing in your life? When God moves, will you also move?  His movement will always be to reveal the best for you.  Look for and draw near to Him.

Hide and Seek

Children love to play hide and seek. We can all probably remember the best hiding spot we ever found. I personally remember hiding in a hamper underneath a sweater. Although they had opened the hamper, they still didn’t find me. I waited until no one was around to climb out of my spot, in hopes of using it again in another game. My son’s favorite spot was in a kitchen set we once had. The table had a picnic bench seat with a storage compartment. He had climbed in there, and much to the frustration of his playmates, was never found. They had passed through the kitchen several times, checking the pantry and all lower cabinets. It had not occurred to them that the bench may open up, revealing the perfect hiding spot. And then there was the time the daughter of some friends crawled into a tiny cabinet. When the children could not find her, they enlisted the help of the parents. Even though we searched she remained unfound. As we began to panic, believing she was gone, she opened this tiny door and yelled, “Surprise!”

Most everybody can think back with fond memories to great times playing hide and seek. There is just something so fun about being able to fool the seeker. Hearing someone search all around and then move on to another room brings an exhilaration that you have made the cleverest choice. When the seeker returns, often with others to assist in the search, you hold your breath and hope that you can again evade detection. When finally found, or called out as being unable to find, you bask in the accolades of those who tell you what a good hider you are.

The Bible speaks about finding that perfect hiding place.  ^“You are a hiding place for me; You, Lord, preserve me from trouble, You surround me with songs and shouts of deliverance. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!” (Psalm 32:7 AMP)  Yes, that perfect hiding place is God himself. We can run to Him in times of trouble. We can run to him in times of joy. We are told to live in that hiding place.  ^“ He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].  I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!” (Psalm 91:1-2 AMP) 

Dwelling in the secret place of the Most High is living a constant awareness of God in our everyday life. It means staying in constant communication with and obedience to Him. Then we are surrounded by God and totally enveloped by Him.  The enemies of this life cannot find us. Problems may abound and storms rage all around us. Hidden in the protection of the Lord, they cannot harm us.  We can wait in confidence for His deliverance from our trials. Another picture of this hiding place is, “For You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings will I rejoice.” (Psalm 63:7AMP) Can’t you just see those giant wings covering every inch of your body, as God tenderly pulls you to Himself? There is no way that trouble can find you there or pry you from those wings.

Hide and Seek may be a child’s game. It may be played for fun and the seeker is a friend not an enemy. But in real life, finding your hiding place in God is essential.  We will all face trials in life. Search for God and find that daily refuge in him. Search with all your heart, just as you intently looked for that great hiding place as a child. You will again feel the safety and exhilaration of knowing that problems will not find you there.

King David was no stranger to trouble seeking him. Yet he eloquently expressed an awareness of this principle in Psalm 3. ¹ LORD, HOW they are increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me. ² Many are saying of me, There is no help for him in God. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!  ³ But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.  ⁴ With my voice I cry to the Lord, and He hears and answers me out of His holy hill. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!  ⁵ I lay down and slept; I wakened again, for the Lord sustains me.  ⁶ I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about.  ⁷ Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheek; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly.  ⁸ Salvation belongs to the Lord; May Your blessing be upon Your people. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! (Psalm 3 AMP)

Join the company of great hiders who knew when to seek refuge. You too can experience the peace of knowing that God sustains you. And you can rejoice! Receive the accolades of your Heavenly Father as He whispers to you of what a great hider you are.