The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "HIDE-AND-SEEK" for Saturday, 17 September 2016 with Scripture: Psalm 31:1-5

The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "HIDE-AND-SEEK" for Saturday, 17 September 2016 with Scripture: Psalm 31:1 (0) For the leader. A psalm of David:
2 (1) In you, Adonai, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
in your justice, save me!
3 (2) Turn your ear toward me,
come quickly to my rescue,
be for me a rock of strength,
a fortress to keep me safe.
4 (3) Since you are my rock and fortress,
lead me and guide me for your name’s sake.
5 (4) Free me from the net they have hidden to catch me,
because you are my strength.
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The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.[Proverbs 18:10 (NIV)]
Hide-and-seek was one of my favorite childhood games. I remember curling up behind my dad’s recliner, stifling a giggle that begged to erupt. My sister, Rainey, would prowl through the house chanting my name, anxious to spot a rogue foot or hand that would expose my hiding spot. Most of the time, I couldn’t keep quiet long enough to avoid discovery. But every now and then, she passed me by. Within seconds, I would bolt from my cover and whisk toward home base, the game’s safe harbor. Sheer exhilaration and relief flooded my seven-year-old body every time I escaped my sister’s stalking and made it to the game’s sanctuary, singing out, “I’m safe, I’m safe!”
I’m not a small child anymore, but sometimes life feels like a game of hide-and-seek. Jobs, relationships, parenting, heartaches, medical issues, addictions — life’s difficulties tempt us to take cover and to retreat from the pain. But scripture gives us a map to home base, which offers refuge and protection the world cannot provide. “The name of the LORD is a fortified tower,” our safe place, our destination when we are tired of running and hiding. God offers relief for the righteous who seek security in the strength of God’s presence.
Read more from the author, here.
"In the Shadow of God's Wing"
I've been known to hide in the pantry.
Sometimes it is to escape the pleading requests of three kids. Occasionally, its to avoid incessant phone calls, demanding emails, or the laundry piled down the hallway. To be completely honest, sometimes its just to devour a candy bar in peace. I am an introvert by nature, so hiding is an art form I have adopted as a coping mechanism in the midst of a chaotic life. I know I can't live in the pantry all day...I couldn't be a good mom or a good wife, and lets face it, I'd eat way more candy bars than any one person should. But a few isolated minutes in a cocoon of cereal boxes and cake mix, offers precious stolen moments with my savior and has proven to be beneficial in my quest of sanity.
Hiding in the pantry may not be your cup of tea. Maybe you prefer to hide under the covers when life gets tough or retreat to a nature sanctuary that offers tranquility and peace. Occasionally, we all need a place of respite and reprieve from the storms of life. We need to know protection surrounds us and there is a place where solace reigns and peace decends.
My favorite word in the English language is "cozy." I live in Kentucky, where my favorite season, Fall, is about to settle around us in the form of vibrant colors, subtle shifts in scents, and cooling temperatures. Yesterday, I pulled out all of my fall decorations and allowed the colors of autumn to take over my living room. I lit a pumpkin spice candle, played mellow bluegrass music in the background, climbed under a soft blanket and took a moment to soak in my surroundings. The world and all its problems still raged outside my door, but inside I was warm and cozy. Gratitude began to overwhelm me, as I spent a few moments talking to God and thanking him for the abundant blessings in my life. As I glanced to my mantle, my eyes settled on the wooden figure you see in the picture below. It's my favorite fall decoration. And it perfectly depicts the only hiding place I love more than the pantry, the shadow of God's wing.
None of us are strangers to pain. Or sorrow. Or loss. Or confusion. Or doubt. Or fear. Or even just boredom. The world rages around us. Sometimes we need to climb high above it and enjoy the vantage point of a high tower. Removed from it all, we can cling the name of the Lord our God and keep our perspective in check. And sometimes, we just need a hiding place than is perfectly sized and suited for us. The shadow of God's wing provides cover and protection that in impenetrable. I don't know what you are stuggling with today, but I do know there is a cozy spot waiting just for you. I'll scoot over and we can hang out in here together. There is room enough for all who seek shelter in the shadow of God's wing (Psalm 17:8).[Bree Combs, Check out Bree's blog at www.breecombs.tumblr.com.]
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See images of the author and her sister, here.
The Author: Briana M. Combs (Kentucky, USA)
Thought for the Day: When I face a problem, I can find refuge in God.
Prayer: Dear God, help us to recognize your power and to seek you during times of trouble, pain, joy, and gladness. Amen.
Prayer focus: SIBLINGS
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