The Hiding Place

I would venture to say that if you thought about your childhood, you could probably remember one of the games you played with the neighborhood kids.  No doubt, hide-and-seek was one of them.  I think that was one of my favorites.  I had the perfect hiding place, as I’m sure you did, too.

Back then, parents felt safe allowing their children to remain outdoors after dark.  Our town was virtually crime-free when I was growing up.  Now, years later, it seems that everywhere you go, a person must remain aware of what is happening around them, constantly looking over their shoulder.  It’s sad, but true.

Cars were mistakenly considered by some to be somewhat of a safe haven in my day—a good hiding place, as it were, should something unexpected happen.  But now, in the day we live in, unscrupulous individuals want what is not theirs.  Cars can become easy targets, quickly turned into money through chop shops.

I believe, as Christians, we need not walk in fear.  “Perfect love casts out fear.”  But this does not mean we can let down our guard in this day and age.  We must be aware of our surroundings, cautious, and mindful not to take unnecessary chances.  Does God expect us to be wise and not tempt fate?  Absolutely.

I don’t know what the general public believes about angels, but I wholeheartedly believe in them—those who minister to and protect the children of God.  I sincerely believe I have encountered angels in my lifetime.  That will be a story for another writing, for another day.

The Bible speaks of angels in Psalm 34:7: “The angel of the Lord encamps all round those who fear Him, and delivers them.”

Hebrews 1:14 asks: “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”

And Psalm 91:11 says: “For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.”

Perhaps there is more to a hiding place than we realize.  As children, we looked for a place where we could hide from the person who was “it.”  As adults, we may look for places where we can feel safe from the dangers that surround us.  But as Christians, there is a hiding place that is greater than any physical place we could ever find.

God Himself can be our refuge.

When the world around us seems uncertain, when fear tries to take hold, and when we feel the need to look over our shoulder, we can remember that our ultimate safety is not found in a car, a house, or even the perfect hiding place.  Our confidence is found in the One who watches over us.

There is no better hiding place than being in the presence of God.

Psalm 46:1 — “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd