Hiding places abound. Samuel anointed Saul as king of Israel. God gave him free rein saying, “Once these signs are fulfilled, do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you.” Saul clearly saw God’s certain ability and purpose. Did Saul hiding among coronation-day’s baggage reveal humility or unbelief? Neither. God gave Saul victories, but also granted the deepest desire of his heart—his own way.

Rahab hid three times. She covered the spies and then concealed family while her Jericho life fell around her. She, too, saw God’s plan, when she confessed to her guests, “The Lord your God is God.” Then, He gave her freedom to expose her heart. She rejected her experience with fierce, lusty warriors and the solid, unassailable might of their stone walls. Instead, she chose to hide in the promise of a God she’d never seen.

Dream-roots anchor in the soul’s depth. When they collide with reality and die or, even scarier, succeed, what hiding place conceals us? We can manufacture an attainable call under the politically acceptable guise of meekness. But whose soul is it anyway? If it’s ours, go ahead, hide in the manageable, keeping image intact, preserving name and throne. He, in turn, grants our wish and hides from us until we have our fill. However, if we surrender to Him, only one course remains open. Kick off the jar. Expose the light and hang on for a wild, dangerous ride. When embarrassment, failure, and death threaten, He entreats us to hide with Him and run into the shadow of His wings.

So, what chasm do you dangle over?

Joshua 2:1-21; Luke 6:26; Judges 7:15-19; Luke 8:16; 1 Samuel 10:20-22; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Psalm 32:7; Galatians 2:20; Proverbs 16:25