The Hiding Place

“Truly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no pangs in their death, But their strength is firm.” Psalms 73:1-4 NKJV

One of the most important things in life is not to be alone without true fellowship. You know you are envious based on how you feel and react to someone’s good news. Envy is more serious than lust and adultery. Envy is one of the heavy weights/ weightier matters.

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.”Matthew 23:23 KJV

“They are not in trouble as other men, Nor are they plagued like other men.” Psalms 73:5 NKJV

Thoughts of ourselves being great and good come to us when everything is going on well in our lives. Trouble humbles you. A man of God who God loves surprisingly has many troubles. The reason why certain people are proud is the absence of pain, troubles and problems. They have everything their hearts wish for. Sometimes the greatest blessing that God will send to your life is trouble or pain. It may be the reason why you will eventually make it to a high and glorious place one day. You need to take your time and be humble in order to get there.

“Therefore pride serves as their necklace; Violence covers them like a garment. Their eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish. They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; They speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue walks through the earth. Therefore his people return here, And waters of a full cup are drained by them. And they say, “How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?” Behold, these are the ungodly, Who are always at ease; They increase in riches. Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, And washed my hands in innocence. For all day long I have been plagued, And chastened every morning. If I had said, “I will speak thus,” Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children. When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me— Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end. Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. As a dream when one awakes, So, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image.” Psalms 73:6-20 NKJV

All the questions of your life are answered in the house/ sanctuary of the Lord. You get to understand the reason for the past pains, disappointments and unanswered questions. The end of a rich successful person who has nothing wrong in their life is so sudden.

“Thus my heart was grieved, And I was vexed in my mind. I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.” Psalms 73:21-22 NKJV

Watch out for people who are hurt or offended. They can behave like an animal to you. A wounded animal is usually more dangerous. It is advised not to drive over a snake to kill it. It may be wounded and get into the car to attack you later. Try not to be bitter and rather be healed from the things that have hurt you.

“Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalms 73:23-26 NKJV

Can you boldly say too like the Psalmist from the above verses that there is nothing else on earth that you desire besides God? Things like a house, a car, a spouse and children, a thriving career or businesses, etc.

We can clearly learn about the power of being close. There is an advantage for being close to God. Those who stay far off are the ones who will perish. Looks are predators and usually attack buffaloes. Buffaloes on the other hand stay together. But the loose ones who stay afar off end up falling prey to these hungry predator lions.

“For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry.” Psalms 73:27 NKJV

Develop yourself depending on your strength. Don’t try to be like someone else. Try to be closer/ inside/ within God’s presence at all cost. Don’t take delight in being afar. Taking pride in being far away may cost you your life.

“But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, That I may declare all Your works.” Psalms 73:28 NKJV

The extent to which you are near is for your own good. Why do we spend time with God in the hiding place? Not so that we will get money or riches. Not so that God will kill all of our enemies. Rather we ought to dwell in His presence to enable us tell others about the wonders of our God. May the Lord bless us with closeness to His presence. May we always desire to dwell in His hiding place.

With Love, Esinam.