Psa 32:7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
Psa 119:114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
My father used to own a piece of land that was nestled in the woods in Northern Maine. On it was a ponded creek with a beaver’s dam, very much like this picture. He and I would sit for hours watching the beavers swimming to and from the dam doing their work. When their work was finished, Dad would go over the dam and remove one of the big branches. This would cause the current to go through and the beavers would sense it immediately. No more than just a minute or two later, you would see a head pop from near their lodge and off to work they would go to repair the damage. My father loved this hiding place and he would take me to it often. Out of all the memories I have of him, this one is the most special.
So many times I’ve wanted to run away to this place where I can hide from the day’s drama! Unfortunately, Dad sold the land to someone I don’t know – plus we live a thousand miles away. But the Lord showed me this morning that I did not need a physical hiding place because I had my time with Him. That hiding place can be anywhere and any time. I don’t even have to waste gas getting there!
Psa 119:151 Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.
As long as I am in my hiding place with the Lord, He will keep me from trouble. The Lord will bring such peace that He will surround me with songs of deliverance and escape from our cares, trials, tribulations, temptations, depression, anxiousness, sorrows, etc. God promises to give us song! It is not natural to sing when we are sad, is it? David says he was surrounded with songs of deliverance from God. Meditating in God’s Word surrounds us with the Lord’s goodness and mercy. All through Scriptures we are lifted up, comforted, given joy, given peace and comfort. We are also given instruction in how to move forward. How can we not have a song on our lips when we serve such a compassionate God!?
Notice also that the dam is a great representation of what we do with what God gives to us during our time in that hiding place. Do you take what God has given you and stand still like the water in the dam? Do you keep it to yourself? Or does God’s love and teaching trickle down to those you come in contact with throughout the day; like the flow of water after the branch is removed? God’s Word is constantly moving! Stagnant water smells and attracts unwanted critters. However, moving water is filled with life!
Joh 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
Where is your hiding place, my friend? Have you run to it today to discuss the cares of this world with your Shepherd? He awaits to guide you, comfort you and encourage you. All you have to do is show up. Then take what He gives you and share it forward!
So I retreat to that haven each morning
All my cares at His feet I do lay
I leave them with Him for He loves me
As I move along life’s narrow way.