You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word. Psalms 119:114 (NRSV)
Earlier this month, I mentioned those places of escape we call our “happy places.” While we fondly remember those memorable spaces and times now and return to them in times of need, there was a time when we didn’t know they existed. We had to find them.
These "happy places" are often our hiding places, where we feel secure and shielded from the world's chaos. They are places where we can find solace and peace, rejuvenate our spirits, and gather strength. We can return to these places because of our faith. We trust in our ability to return to them because we believe in the deeper truths and assurances they represent.
The psalmist relies on God’s promises and commands to find his spiritual happy place. This trust is not built overnight but discovered and reinforced through life’s experiences. Each trial, each moment of doubt, and every instance of God’s faithfulness becomes a landmark on our spiritual map, leading us back to His presence.
Just as we discover our physical happy places through exploration and experience, we discover our spiritual hiding places through the journey of faith. When we face turmoil and uncertainty, we can return to these places because we have learned to trust God’s word. His promises serve as our shield, and His faithfulness is our guarantee of safety and peace.
In this way, faith acts as our guide, leading us back to those places of refuge. The psalmist could return to his spiritual happy place because he trusted the Lord’s unfailing love and protection. He found his security not in the absence of troubles but in the presence of God, whose word is a firm foundation.
Heavenly Father, thank You for being our refuge and strength. Help us to trust in Your word and find peace in Your presence. Guide us back to You whenever we feel lost or afraid. May we always seek You first and experience the depth of Your love and faithfulness. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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