Hide and Seek

By Andrea Merrell

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord.

“They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you 

a future and a hope.”

Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

Kids never tire of playing hide and seek. My grandchildren like to play the game in the dark, making it even more challenging. Sometimes they find each other quickly. Sometimes they don’t.

A woman once told me she felt as though connecting with God was like playing hide and seek. “No matter what I do,” she said, “I can’t seem to find Him. Why does He keep hiding from me?”

Most of us are familiar with Jeremiah 29:11. We like to think and talk about how God has great plans to give us a future filled with hope and peace. But we often fail to keep reading. This is what verses 12-14 tell us in the Message translation:

When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.

God doesn’t hide in the dark and wait for us to check off items on a spiritual to-do list. He stands with arms wide open, inviting us to come to Him. The Bible instructs us throughout to diligently and earnestly seek Him. That means with all our heart, not just as a child’s game.

The Lord is as close as your very breath. Turn your eyes and heart toward Him. Whisper His name. You will find Him waiting for you. 

Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and artemisphoto.