Hide and Seek

Today’s scripture: Psalm 139 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?

My thoughts (Sue Robinsion):

If you have spent any time around toddlers, then you know that a game common to them is Hide and Seek. But their version differs from how we do it later in life. For toddlers, the idea is that if they hide their eyes, you can’t see them. It doesn’t matter that they are in plain view . . . if they can’t see you, you can’t see them!

Psalm 139 reminds me of this childhood game. We run from God, we “hide our eyes,” but God still can see us. In this Psalm, David, the author, is amazed and in awe that God knows our every movement and motive.

We are not a surprise to God. God isn’t shocked and dismayed by the uncaring, thoughtless, or mean-spirited things we might do. God knows us. God made us. We don’t throw God for a loop by our actions.

Verses 3-4 says, “You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.” See? Not surprised. But, still, God loves us.

But my favorite part of this Psalm is verse 8. “If I ascend into heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, you are there.”

We can walk closely with God all our lives, and God will be by our side. But we can also turn from God, making our bed in hell, and God is still waiting patiently for us to come home. God waited many long years for me while I made my bed in hell. But as soon as I reached out, God was there . . . beside me all along.

Prayer for the day: Lord, help us to remember that you know every atom of our being, but you love us in spite of ourselves! Thank you for love that we can’t fathom. Amen.

We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.