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“Thou art my hiding place and my shield; I wait for Thy word.” – Psalm 119:114
“You are my hiding place
You always fill my heart with songs of deliverance
Whenever I am afraid I will trust in You …”
This chorus maintained popularity during my college days, and I have fond memories of singing it in Intervarsity meetings. Sometimes we sang in a round – and, of course, always A cappella.
Hiding often comes to mind as a playful game – an easy pastime that can just about be played anytime, any place. Children love it and adults act like children when they participate in the fun. But for the author who penned Psalm 119, this was no game. He referred to hiding because he feared for his physical safety.
Most of us probably aren’t faced with physically unsafe situations. Yet there’s a good possibility many of us often find ourselves emotionally vulnerable. Life abounds with heart-wrenching circumstances that easily can result in frequent worries and flimsy faith.
When we attempt to handle these difficulties alone, we leave ourselves unprotected.
Are we in that position right now? Let’s remember:
God is our hiding place … the safe zone where we can run for shelter. He additionally shields us from the enemy’s arrows and fiery darts. What an awesome God!
And here’s the treasure God gave me this morning: “waiting for His word” can also mean “hoping in His word.” We need to place ourselves under His protection AND patiently hope in the fulfillment of His Word.
The ache in our heart today might take many years to remedy. Or it might not ever fully heal this side of heaven. But God will keep His word.
“For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.” – Psalm 33:4 (NIV)
It is such a help and comfort to know that He is trustworthy, no matter what we face. I was hiding in Him when I left home to spend three months in Africa. I was fearful of what would happen to my daughter who has MS while I was gone. I was also fearful of my husband’s and my health, being there for that amount of time. Many prayed for us and for my daughter during those three months. God blessed, Rhonda was able to return to school and teach the whole time we were gone. Our only health issues were very minor and God gave us vital ministry in many places. Praise God! We are excited that God can make us fruitful, even in old age, when we are hid in Jesus Christ!
Thanks for sharing, dear Sylvia. You and David continue to inspire Mark and me as you faithfully serve our Lord. Love you!
Love that song. I remember it from Intervarsity also. Also remember –
“You are my hiding place. You are my hiding place. In the shelter of your presence, I find I’m safe, Lord., for You are my hiding place. ”
This brings me so much comfort and peace! Thanks for bringing to my memory today.
Oh, so glad to know this comforted you today, dear Lisa! I don’t recognize the version you mentioned – you’ll have to sing it some time. 🙂 Love you!