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When Bill and I were raising our children, we often played Hide and Seek with them. One of us would help them find a good hiding place, and the other would be counting down to give them time to hide. I remember the laughter and the thrill on their faces when they escaped from us or made it back to home base without being found. My grandchildren continue the game today.

In the game, hiding gives a feeling of being in a safe secure place, and escaping the grasp of the seeker safely provides a sense of control and freedom from accountability. A chance to control your destiny away from others so to speak. Yet, the first game of hide and seek was anything but a game.

They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called to the man, and said to him “Where are you?” He said, “I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.”
Genesis 3:8-10 (NASV)

Adam and Eve were in an amazing garden with a relationship designed to commune with the Lord. God walked with them, and suddenly they hid from God. They changed from spending time with God to being afraid to be seen by Him. They believed a lie from the serpent, and since that day, people have been trying to hide from God. Nothing is hidden from God, and yet in the midst of pain or confusion it is easy to believe a lie about God’s love and compassion. As a widow sometimes losses can tempt us to hold on to anger or disappointment. God fills the gaps of our losses.

We are deeply loved – 1 John 4:19
We are children of God – Galatians 2:20
The Lord provides – Matthew 6:28
God gives purpose – Jeremiah 29:11

Replace each loss with verses that provide hope. These losses compound and can impact our walk with the Lord. Since I lost my husband, Bill, there are times I want to hide from the realities of the day-to-day responsibilities that were once shared. It would be nice to escape managing life alone and find freedom to live life my way without facing consequences of that choice. Focusing on my losses and forgetting His faithfulness causes me to hide or withdraw from His plans and purposes. Loneliness and pain from loss are not excuses to avoid the truth of God’s character.

I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:11 (ESV)

Instead of hiding from God, I need to hide His word in my heart. I can consider how to live and respond to daily struggles and decisions I face. Often the relationships around me are changing and confusing. It is important to replace those fears with His truth.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

Seeking the plans the Lord has for me can provide purpose and direction for my future. God has plans and opportunities waiting if I willingly seek His kingdom. Between my understanding of the gospel and meeting God in heaven comes my day-to-day life. I need to continue to seek a deeper relationship with the Lord to be able to find His best plan for each moment.

Lord,

Light our path with Your wisdom and Your words. We come to You asking for hope. As we fill our minds with Your word and make a conscious choice to follow Jesus give us purpose in our pain. We no longer want to run or hide from You. Thank you for seeking us. Help us to stay fixed on Your promises and to know the truth of who You are. Show us ways to bring You glory as we walk with You. Help us to embrace the path set before us.

In Jesus Name, Amen.