“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.” (Psalm 27:4-5 KJV)
Songwriter L. R. Tolbert wrote, “Sometimes I feel discouraged and think my work in vain.” After a wonderful month of anticipation and festivity, it is easy to identify with the words of this song. One reviews the year and identifies all sorts of failures — real or imagined.
Depending on our maturity, we might even sing more of the song and be “tempted oft to murmur, to grumble and complain.” Our dreams seem to dissolve over time and our best intentions are lost in a sea of nagging necessity. What we want to do doesn’t get done and what we don’t want to do demands our attention.
The Apostle Paul understood this struggle and wrote, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” (Romans 7:24 KJV). Therefore, we may conclude that it isn’t simply a scheduling, time management issue. The great Apostle knew that deliverance came from only one source.
Songwriter Tolbert continues, “But when I think of Jesus and what he bore for me, Then I cry to the Rock of Ages, hide thou me.” That just may be the answer of all answers. Instead of focusing on our weakness, let’s focus on Jesus and his strength. Instead of berating ourselves for failure, let’s boast of his success on our behalf. Let’s call on the Rock of Ages to hide us from ourselves.
Our story didn’t begin in 2010 and doesn’t end in three days. A baby was born in a manger — for us. The baby grew to manhood in a poverty-stricken Nazareth of Galilee — for us. He was crucified on a cross — for us. He was buried and resurrected — for us. His sacrifice is our success! His victory is our victory!
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of our faith. And one day, our story will continue on the other side as we stand beside the sea of glass, harps in hand, singing “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty!”
Dear Father, thank you for hiding us in Christ. Empower us to rely on his achievements. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today hidden in God’s secret place,