In our previous lessons we have discussed the theme of God being our dwelling place (Psalm 90:1-2). In turn, God has expressed that He will dwell with the person who humbly worships Him (Isaiah 57:15). To experience this kind of relationship people are called to "return" (i.e. repent) and come to Him for forgiveness and fellowship (Isaiah 55:7). The Gospel of Jesus Christ takes this to a new and higher level. The Spirit of the triune God will become one with us. We are eternally interlocked together. See Luke 24:44-48; Acts 10:43; 17:30-31; John 14:15-18,23; 17:1-26; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:12-14; 2:1-7, 11-22; 3:1-19. It is important that we do not wander from this kind of fellowship (Proverbs 27:8; John 10:29-30; Galatians 5:16-26; II Peter 1:2-11).

In this lesson we want to encourage the followers of Jesus Christ to run to the Lord for help when dangers and temptations assail us (Proverbs 18:10; Psalm 56:1-13; Hebrews 2:16-18; 4:14-16). The Lord is described as a high tower, a fortress or fenced city. We are protected, preserved, and empowered by Him. The world, the flesh, and the Devil all present obstacles and threats to our walk with the Lord. The more we would serve Him in a godly way, the more we become vulnerable to attack (II Timothy 3:12; I John 3:1,13; Romans 7:14-25; I Peter 5:8-10).

So our focus in this lesson is that God is not only our "dwelling place," but He is our "hiding place." This idea of a "hiding place" shows how our relationship with God affects our relationship with the world. We need Him for safety, protection, and strength. We need Him for confidence and courage as we dare to be different in this world and serve our Lord, whom the world hates. The world occasionally seems wonderful… until the subject of God and His Son Jesus Christ is brought up (Psalm 2:1-12). Then we will be targeted and become vulnerable to rejection and persecution (Psalm 39:12 cp. Matthew 10:16-25; John 15:18-21; 17:14-21).

The Hebrew word for "hiding place" means "a covering, a shelter, a secret place, a concealed place, a place of protection" (Psalm 32:7; 31:20; 91:1). The Hebrew word for "hidden ones" means "that which is hidden, stored up, treasured - those who are valued, kept, guarded, protected" (Psalm 83:3 cp. Moses Exodus 2:2). Psalm 27:5 contains all the Hebrew words alluded to in this paragraph. Proverbs 3:32 (cp. translations) is powerfully illustrated in II Kings 6:8-23.

A spiritual relationship with Almighty God and His kingdom is something that is invisible, unnoticed, undesirable, foolish, and unreal to regular people of the world (I Corinthians 2:14-16; John 3:3; 14:16-17 cp. I Timothy 6:14-16). Yet, God is calling people to a spiritual relationship - intangible to the natural senses (John 4:23-24; I Corinthians 2:12-13; I John 5:19-21).

The elements of this kind of relationship with God are confusing and hidden to those to whom God has not revealed them. Therefore the world finds this repulsive and they close their eyes, ears, and hearts to the truth. God also may close people's minds and hearts. They have rejected Him, so God gives them what they want. See Matthew 11:25-27; 13:9-17; John 5:37-47; 6:37-45,63; Romans 1:16-32; I John 4:5-6. We must heed God's warning, "Do not harden your hearts…" (Hebrews 3:8,15; 4:7. Please study Hebrews 3:1 - 4:16). It is only by faith that we can overcome the obstacles that are in the world (II Corinthians 5:7; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 11:6; James 4:4; I John 5:4-5). That faith comes to us by God's Spirit / the Spirit of Christ through the Word of God (Romans 10:17; 16:25-27; John 6:63; 14:16-27; 15:1-8; 16:12-15; Matthew 24:35; I Peter 1:23-25).

Let's examine the statements that tell us that God is our "hiding place" and that we are His "hidden ones."

Psalm 32:7 - We resort to God for help from trouble. Instead of fear and worry, we have songs put in our heart - songs of joy and confidence in the love, mercy and grace of God's deliverance.

Psalm 27:5 - Knowing God is like being placed in an environment of safety and protection - in a shelter or tent, or placed on top of a solid rock.

Psalm 31:19-21 - God's goodness is lavished upon us. As we openly trust God before unbelieving people, He blesses us with His "presence" (Psalm 16:11; 42:5,11; 46:1). Proud wicked people attack us with their words (Psalm 10:2-3; 57:4). God will care for us and comfort us throughout all of their plots, threats, and lies (Romans 8:31-39). Having God is like living in a fortified city that is under attack.

Psalm 91:1-6 - To have a spiritual relationship with God is to have Him so close that He overshadows all of the dangers and problems in this life (Psalm 91:1; Isaiah 40:12-31; Proverbs 3:25-26). He delivers us from the traps and snares that are set for us (Psalm 91:2-3; Ephesians 6:10-13; Isaiah 54:17). We are like baby birds in our nest, covered, protected, nurtured, and fed. We are fed with His truth (Psalm 91:4; 81:10; 25:1-5; Deuteronomy 32:11-12 cp. Proverbs 27:8). We are delivered from all fears (Psalm 91:5-6; 34:1-8; II Timothy 1:7 cp. Philippians 1:28-29).

Colossians 3:1-3 - "Your life is hid with Christ in God."

Conclusion:

Experiencing and enjoying the presence of God / intimacy with God gives us hope, courage, purpose, and a sense of safety and belonging - never alone / never abandoned. We always have something good to look forward to.

For further consideration: John 16:33; Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 8:26-39; II Corinthians 4:6-11, 15-18; 12:9-10; Hebrews 11:5-6; Psalm 23:1-6; Proverbs 10:28-29; Jeremiah 29:11; II Timothy 4:18; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:9-11; Colossians 1:27.