I remember when I was only in elementary, one of my favorite game was hide and seek. I used every effort and energy to hide myself from the seeker because we were only given 10 to 20 seconds (depending on set of counts) to hide and if you were caught first, you’ll be the next one to find them. Well, that’s how the hide and seek mechanics goes. I enjoyed hiding but sometimes when the seeker takes time looking out for you, sometimes it gets boring or frustrating (depende kung saan ka nagtatago, baka sa Cabinet, eh di pinagpawisan ka na sa kakaantay sakanya mahanap ka lang niya.) But we have to choose our hiding place.
Psalm 119:114 “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.”
I just want to share this verse where in the midst of catastrophe of my life, I found my hiding place. It is so amazing that through that storm, it helped me see how I should go back from the start. Where I get my real strength. I didn’t know that I was already on the edge of falling from the cliff. All this time I thought I was still on that same road walking with the same feet. Little did I know I was already letting go. Little did I know I was hurting the One who loved me first. Little did I know, I was creating walls between us. Little did I know, I was trying to listen but I was blinded by earthly things that temporarily satisfied me and ignores the voice. Then came the storm, I thought I was on the same ground but again little did I know I was already tossed by strong wind and heavy waves of the ocean. Until I saw someone calmly walking in the water, while I was hit and tossed by the strong waves of the ocean, I saw Him walking towards me, reaching out His hand. Without second thoughts, I reached out my hand and He carried me all the way and calmed the storm.
As He was carrying me, I hid into His chest and embraced Him so tight that I don’t want to let go. I just want to be in His arms. I found my Shield. I found my hiding place. Jesus is my Shield and my Hiding place. He didn’t leave me behind, He didn’t let go of me, He was there all throughout my stormy journey. I was deafened and blinded by temporary things here on earth. I was hiding from Him, it took time when I was already enjoying hiding from His plans but thankful that He finally found me. He didn’t stop looking after me, even I came to the point of giving up. Giving up in faith. Giving up in hope. Giving up in trusting people. I got tired. Exhausted. But you know what storm taught me? There’s always rainbow after the rain. That’s a covenant from God. That’s a promise coming from a Sovereign God.
It was really dark. Darkness with anger, hatred, bitterness and even unforgiveness. Blinded by what the world can give and deafened by human promises. Until I cannot hear God’s whisper. As I type these words, I am in tears of joy that God picked me up from pieces. He made me whole again. He gave me peace. Peace that I cannot get from any person or a thing. Peace that secures my future. Peace that gives me hope. Peace that brings joy to my heart. Peace that gives assurance that I can do better this time. Peace that I will never walk this journey alone. Indeed, Jesus is the prince of peace.
John 14: 27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
I am really thankful for what really happened because it helped me go back to my source of Strength and Joy. God uses situations that we thought we cannot handle, but God believes that through that circumstance He will prove Himself that He is Lord. And yes, He is. I can always hide from Him, take things for granted or get used to what I have, but one thing I’m sure of that what was already built will never be shaken because I believe that I have a strong foundation and that is my faith in Christ. He will always be my hiding place and my shield. I put my hope in Him.
On Bended Knees 