Dim Sum and FaithSýnishorn

An Invitation to Come Out of Hiding

The psalmist writes in Psalm 139:1, "Lord, you have searched me, and you know me" (ESV). However, if we are known by God, why is it so hard for many of us to begin the journey toward knowing ourselves?

God went looking for Adam and Eve in the garden where they walked together daily, calling them out of hiding. Adam and Eve were afraid to be seen by God after they had disobeyed. Their shame pushed them into hiding to cover up what they saw as their nakedness. As a result of their decision not to trust him, they were cut off from the garden and therefore, closeness with God. Jesus' coming made a way for us to experience intimacy with God our Father. He comes calling our name: "Come out of hiding," he says. He beckons us out of shame and into an eternal relationship that cannot be experienced anywhere else. God has always been looking for us. He is always invitational, never forceful, inviting us into an authentic relationship with him. Will you come near?

If God knows us, we do not need to be afraid of knowing ourselves. It's often the parts we don't know about ourselves that terrify us. But with God's hand in ours, we can explore and question. We can be curious, as we are safe and we are held.

Because of Jesus’ sacrifice for us on the cross, our shame has been taken away.

The psalmist reminds us in the early verses of Psalm 139 that everything about us is known to God and that being known is a blessing. To be known in this way by our Creator means we are safe. As we begin to name these ways, be reminded that the God who made us knows our every word and thought, our ways, our darkness, and our light, and he loves us. More than we could ever know.

As You Read the Scriptures:

Is there a part of you that resonates with the invitation to come out of hiding?

How does it feel to be seen by God?

Prayer:

Father, I thank you for making a way for me to come to you through Jesus. Thank you for taking all of my shame away. I want to bring all the parts of me out of hiding and into your presence. I rest in your love today.