Need a Place to Hide?

Fresh Manna 2009© by Renee Burt

Whenever I was afraid when I was a little girl, I would hide under the bed. It was my secret place where I felt safe and protected…that is, until my mom would send my older brother and sister to fish me out from under there. I remember one time when each one of them got on one side of the bed and tried to reach under and grab hold of me. I was the master scootcher, and I would fight for my right to stay in my secret place. I wasn’t going to let anyone make me come out of there, until I was good and ready to face my world again. But then I would hear my mama’s voice…not demanding, but kindly and gently coaxing me out. And somehow in my heart, I knew that because mama was there, everything would be all right.

I still feel that old “little girl feeling” some days. Life can be scary, people can hurt you, circumstances can feel overwhelming…and so the temptation is to hide, to retreat into yourself. But there’s no comfort in hiding within yourself…stuffing your emotions, thinking thoughts that take you nowhere, trying to avoid facing “reality.” And yet, there’s an overpowering need to hide. That’s why God provided a place for us to retreat to…to get refreshed…to feel safe within His arms of love…a place where we can stay until His voice coaxes us to come out again and face our world again. Not in our strength, but in His strength, peace and love that He wants to fill us up with, as we hide in that secret place with Him. I’m not ashamed to say I feel the need to go there today. So if you run into me today, and I seem a little “out there,” don’t mind me…and please don’t try to drag me out of there. Better yet, why not join me?

Psalm 91:1-2, 14-15 NKJV, MSG ~ He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Say this: “God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!” That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you—under them you’re perfectly safe; “If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God, “I’ll get you out of any trouble. I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me..

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