Hebrews 10.24-25
24 And let us consider how to
stir up one another
to love and good works,
25 not neglecting to meet together,
as is the habit of some,
but encouraging one another,
and all the more as you see
the Day drawing near.
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From the very first sin in the Garden, we as humans like to hide. When I am in sin, or have shame, or am focused on myself due to grief, sadness, discouragement, idolatry, anger, or frustration, I tend to hide and isolate. Sometimes it’s out of embarrassment, sometimes it’s out of frustration, and yet other times it’s due to a sense of unworthiness or thinking I am a burden to others.
All these reasons are tied to my fear; fear of being exposed, of being known, or of having to face my sin, shame, or sadness. It’s a fear of being needy or unable, or being known as weak. It’s a fear of having to admit my faults or issues, or a fear of having to admit where I am wrong. Whatever my reason for hiding from others is, I can always tie it to my fear. Even when it comes to the child’s game “Hide and Seek,” kids hide out of fear of being found and losing the game. Hiding is always about fear. But I desperately need the encouragement, exhortation, strength, and wisdom of others.
When we fear being exposed, pushed against a wall, or being put in a vulnerable place, we want to run and hide. We avoid relationships, tough conversations, social settings, and even our church family; we even avoid time in the Word and prayer. Anything or anyone that might threaten our hiding place, we avoid and push away.
It is easier to be
a Christian in isolation
than to live out one’s faith
in the context of all those other
imperfect people
who make up God’s church.
-Gordon Fee
But I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that running and hiding never makes anything better, but always makes it worse. I know God loves me too much to let me to run and hide forever. I can play “Hide and Seek” with Him and His people, but He won’t let me win. He will always draw me back to where I need to be because He loves me.
The Gospel reminds me that when I want to hide, and when I have fears that tempt me to isolate and keep to myself, I actually have nothing to fear in being vulnerable and pressing in. The Gospel removes any shame I have (Romans 8.1-2), because it reminds me that nothing can take away my right standing in Christ. I know that if He is for me, there is nothing that can be against me (Romans 8.31-39). I have nothing to fear, and nothing to hide from.
Read Again Out Loud and Make it into a Prayer:
Hebrews 10.24-25
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Psalm 91
Michael Joncas
Personalize and Read or Pray Aloud:
You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
Who abide in His shadow for life,
Say to the Lord,
“My refuge, my Rock in whom I trust!”
And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His hand.
The snare of the fowler
will never capture you,
And famine will bring you no fear;
Under His wings your refuge,
His faithfulness, your shield
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Pray Aloud:
Protect me this day, O Lord, holy Father,
almighty and eternal God,
And in Your compassion and mercy,
help and guide me.
Enlighten my heart
and keep my thoughts, words, and works
pleasing in Your sight;
That I may do Your will
and walk in Your path of righteousness
my whole life long. Amen.
–Antiphonary of Bangor, Ireland, 7th Century
Father, help ________ to keep in step
with Your Spirit today.
Help ______ to follow You
and lift up Your Name,
that ______ might carry
Your aroma through the day.
Give _______ daily bread,
so that Your promises
would keep ________ heart,
which is prone to wander,
anchored closely to You.
Lead ________ away from temptation,
but instead be brought back
to Your truth and presence.
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