We all enjoyed a good game of hide-and-seek
As children, we all enjoyed a good game of hide-and-seek. We would dash off searching for the perfect spot that would conceal our little bodies until the seeker finally conceded. Our goal was to remain hidden.
God plays this well-loved game differently. He hides, but never with the purpose of remaining undiscovered. Our heavenly Father wants us to put forth some effort while searching for Him but His intention is to be found. He wants to reveal Himself to us but He also wants a diligent seeker.
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)
“Truly You are God, who hide Yourself, O God of Israel, the Savior!”
Isaiah 45:15 (NKJV)
“So that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.” Acts 17:27 (NKJV)
“The Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any who understand, who seek God.” Psalm 14:2 (NKJV)
We are serious in our attempt to find Him
God will not remain under wraps if we are serious in our attempt to find Him. He promises that we will discover His hiding place. However, He does want us to be serious in our desire to know Him. This seriousness is key to His reveal. He has a lot to tell us but only if we are bound and determined to build a relationship with Him.
“But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29 (NKJV)
There is always time to fellowship with God
We might think our daily schedule is too full for a game of hide and seek. Priorities! There is always time to fellowship with God. In fact, we should crave it.
Remember, God is also a seeker. He reaches out to us when we hide from Him; maybe because we think our world is too difficult to manage and we are fearful or angry. He seeks to comfort, advise, direct, help, and guide us during such times. He knows our frame “is but dust” and although we have been bruised, He never permits a trial beyond our ability to bear. He is a compassionate God and understands the pain attached to sorrow.
“The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.” Psalm 14:2 (NKJV)
He teaches us a lesson as we search
The seeking game will be shorter on some days because His hiding place is quickly discovered. On other days, the game will take longer because He is teaching us a lesson while we search. Wisdom taught is often initiated by simple questions. “What is peace and where do you find it?” “Am I your treasure?” “Do you know how much I love you?” “Do you have any hidden sins?”
Unfortunately, personal sins do affect our game of Hide-and-Seek. He will withdraw from an unrepentant sinner. God hates sin because He is holy; holiness is the most exalted of all His attributes (Is. 6:3). His holiness epitomizes His moral perfection and His absolute freedom from blemish of any kind. It was sin that caused Adam and Eve to run away from God and hide. God hates sin because it separates us from Him and He is all about having a relationship with us.
“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2 (NKJV)
“According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions I have dealt with them, and hidden My face from them.” Ezekiel 39:24 (NKJV)
Be still and wait on Him, He is most likely right beside you
If it seems like God has been hiding from you be still and wait on Him. He is most likely right beside you. His silence does not mean you haven’t discovered His hiding place. He could be training your ear to listen. But if there is sin in your life, confess it. Deal with your transgressions. Ask God to reveal, “hidden sins.” Most of all, know that your Maker rejoices over you (Zeph. 3:17) and longs for your fellowship. He wants to confide in you and reveal His power and glory.
“The Lord confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them.” Psalm 25:14 (NIV)
“He said to Me, ‘You are My Servant, Israel, in whom I will show My glory.’”
Isaiah 49:3 (NASB)
“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27 (NKJV)
“But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults.” Psalm 19:12 (NIV)