The Hiding Place
“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” (Psalm 32:7)
Where do you hide when things get hard? In December 2024, a man in Massachusetts got stuck in a chimney while trying to escape a drug-related arrest by police. The more the 33-year-old tried to wiggle his way out, the more trapped he became. It didn't take long for the police to find him and for firefighters to pull him out. Instead of walking away free that night, he ended up in handcuffs. The very place the man thought would save him turned out to be the place that trapped him.
In Psalms 32:7, King David reveals where he hides when life gets hard. David expresses great joy and gratitude in his song lyrics, referring to God as his hiding place. But what was David trying to hide from? This psalm is thought to have been written after David committed his grave sin with Bath-Sheba. Through the “Jerusalem TikTok,” the nation became aware of their King’s transgression, and like most people, he sought to escape from his scandalous actions. However, instead of running to places that would trap him, he sought refuge and repentance in God, the only One who could truly liberate him.
How about you? Where do you hide when life throws a curve ball? Are the places you hide freeing you or trapping you? Notice that David did not sing that God was his hiding place because God prevented trouble. Instead, David sang that God protects him when trouble arises. You see, God does not promise to prevent trouble in our lives; He expresses His love by protecting us through it. You may wonder, “How can I choose God as my hiding place?” Like Adam and Eve, it is by responding to God’s voice when you hear Him say, "Where are you?” By responding to God’s voice, we take the first step in seeking refuge in Him. Some of us may be running away from God because He did not prevent something from happening, but as the Psalm promises, it may not have been prevented, but God promises to preserve you through it. God’s hiding place doesn’t prevent trouble but preserves you in times of trouble.
REFLECTION
David chose to hide in God through repentance and transformation. What does it look like for you to hide in God today?
Have you ever experienced a time when you tried to escape a problem but found yourself more trapped instead? What did you learn from that experience?
Are there any situations in your life right now where you need to stop running and start seeking refuge in God? What would that step look like for you?
How can you remind yourself that God’s presence is a place of freedom rather than fear?
