You Can’t Find Me

“Come and find me Grandpa”! That is often what I hear when I enter the house when the grandchildren are visiting. So what do I do? Yes, I hunt all over trying to find them in a one sided game of “Hide & Seek”. But what is amusing is that they are usually standing behind a chair, behind a sheer curtain with little toes sticking out, or crouching underneath a table, giggling the whole time I am looking, and if I take too long, I often hear a “over here Grandpa” summons.  Indeed they are, “Hiding in Plain Sight”. I encounter many things that are hidden in plain sight, my cell phone, a tool in the shop, and even my car in Walmart parking lot. Most of the things I am looking for are hidden in plain sight.

God Knows Where You Are

I often wonder how many times I have tried to hide from God! Are my actions reflecting the fact that God is watching? There I am, behind that transparent curtain, or chair, obviously in plain sight of God, no matter how well I try to hide. God is always watching and knows what I do all the time; I cannot hide who I am or what I have done. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:12-13). Wow, as I read this I reflect on my past actions, thoughts, and attitudes; knowing I didn’t hide a single one! That is sobering, knowing there is no place to hide. It’s like the one sided hide & seek and God is watching. But wait!  Instead of a fear that I cannot be hidden, I should be comforted to know that God is always watching. But why is it that if I know I am being watched, all I can think about is the bad things I have done? “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3).

God Watches over Me

God knows all my sinful thoughts, words, and deeds. He invites me to approach Him boldly in my weakness and failure. He is able to sympathize and heal me. His throne is a throne of grace, not condemnation. What joy to know God is watching and giving me the grace that helps me in my time of need so I can quit hiding, covering up, or turning to people for approval. The joy comes from knowing God “is” watching out for me and knowing He cares. So now I can “hide in plain sight” like my grandchildren, calling out to God saying “over here Lord”, find me and know that I am ready to be found. Fully aware that the day is coming when God will say, “Ready or not, here I come”. Lord, help me walk in your light as I seek You and hide nothing. Amen.