By Pastor Don Schatz

Hope

“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.” Psalm 119:114  New Revised Standard Version

Occasionally kids playing mimics real life.  They are playing.  We are afraid.  We are uncertain.  We are disbelieving.  We cannot see the light.  We are without hope.  For these and so many more reasons we can ‘do the ostrich.’  We stick our heads in the sand.  Metaphorically.  We try to ignore, hide from or perhaps avoid reality.  Whatever reality makes us feel overwhelmed or just DONE.  Can you relate?  Is this you today?

There is a better hiding place.  “You are my hiding place,” the Psalmist wrote to the Lord.  You are my hiding place.  Remember those words today.  Speak them, whisper them, sing them, breathe them–talk to the Lord and say these words to your God.  He is listening.  He will hide you under the shadow of his wings.  “He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” (Psalm 91:4)  The Lord teaches us where to hide.   Where to seek shelter.  Where to find hope.  Where to be restored by the hope of his promise.  “I hope in your word.”

God doesn’t hide us from reality.  He is reality.  His Word of promise is to be with us, to love us, always.  He chases away whatever darkness seeks to claim us, and from which we might run, or stick our heads in the sand.  “Come to me, all who are heavy burdened.  I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). The Lord restores our soul with hope.  Hope, withstanding all, trusts the Lord.  In him we put our hope.  No need for hiding.  No running from a false reality.  The Lord Jesus spreads wide his arms.  Do you see?  There is a smile on his face.  There is a tender care in his eyes, looking at you.  Run to him.  Today and every day.  Run.  Hide there is plain sight, in the embrace of his grace and love.  Christ, the true Light, will shine on you.  It’s what he does.

Do you remember the words?

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado