The Hiding Place (Conclusion)…

I was reading in a prayer book that my mother-in-law, Helen, gave me and this verse stood out to me: Solomon 2:11-12, “See, the winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come.” 

I thought it was an appropriate verse to end this series, The Hiding Place, with.  Each of us have our own trials that we have to deal with. Days, weeks, maybe even years of hardship and heartbreak. Storms that crash over us; floods that wash away our hope. Fires of anger or resentment that have scorched our soul. Winds that blow discontentment and sorrow. 

In Mark, chapter 4, the disciples were in the midst of a storm. They cried out to Jesus and asked, “Do you not care that we are about to perish?” 

Have you ever felt that way? That Jesus is standing off to the side, watching as your world crumbles around you? Have you ever felt deserted? Alone? 

I’ve said before that Great is thy Faithfulness is my favorite hymn. It reminds me of God’s promises and that, even though I may not see or know it at the time, that He is present and faithful every second of every day. I may move away from him, but, just as the father in the Prodigal Son story, he is always there when I turn back towards him. 

One promise is that of my future. In a world filled with doubt and uncertainty, I know that God knows what tomorrow brings. I don’t have to have all the answers; I just have to depend on the one that does.  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you… plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 

Another promise that I lean on is Joshua 1:9…I have commanded you, ‘Be strong and courageous! Don’t tremble or be terrified, because the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. God is with me…I do not walk alone. I feel his presence in my life and it gives me the courage to do what he asks of me, knowing that he is with me. He is my hiding place…and I will trust in him.