Hiya and welcome back, my lovelies, to An Inquisitive Mind – Illumination through Christ. 

I am so grateful for the kind words and prayers regarding the re-launch, and I pray that God continues to bless you as we journey together in seeking Him.

How’s your heart?

One of the aims of this platform is to grow in deeper intimacy with God, and in order to do so we are required to reflect on the posture of our hearts.

Although, there is the recognition in some instances our hearts can be influenced by the cares of this world (Mark 4:19) . With this in mind, we will be exploring two ‘heart postures’ that many of us may relate with at different points of our walk : Hiding and Seeking.

We will also consider the impact these postures can have on our actions and relationship with God. I do hope to encourage you through scriptures that have helped me to become intentional and aware of my own heart state.

It’s all fun and games…until it isn’t

Growing up, my siblings and I used to love playing Hide and Seek with our cousins. This was one of my favourite games, of which it is where one player hides and another tries to search for them. Despite this game being fun it was also quite frustrating when you would search everywhere and couldn’t find the person hiding.

Reflecting on this now, it reminds me of how MERCIFUL, PATIENT and KIND God is when He seeks us out.

This comes from a place of unconditional love for us (Romans 8:38-39).

Why do we Hide?

People may hide due to:

• A lack of confidence in what to say or do – in terms of their abilities.
• A fear of the unknown and also fear of the known.
• Avoidance of expectations and what’s required of them – responsibilities.
• Disappointment, shame, sorrow or guilt.

What is the Impact of Hiding?

Hiding can:

• Lead to a loss of opportunities.
• Damage trust in relationships.
• Create further isolation.

As we can see, ‘hiding’ doesn’t really have much positives attached to it – as per the fruit is bears.

What does this mean for our relationship with God?

Hiding can result in:

• Disobedience to God’s word and His promises.
• Inconsistency in fellowship with God, as the flow of relationship and intimacy becomes disjointed.
• Blockage and delay of blessings and growth.

Adam and Eve 

Adam and Eve were the first humans to be created by God and had been given freedom in the beautiful Garden of Eden (Genesis 1:26-27). They were unashamed and free (Genesis 2:25).

Although, the only rule given was for them not to eat from the tree of life for their protection – ‘…if you eat any fruit rom that tree, you will die before the day is over’. (Genesis 2:15-17).

However, they disobeyed despite the consequence being made clear and became aware of their sin (Genesis 3:6-7). They then felt exposed and ashamed leading them to hide away from God (Genesis 3:8).

Did Adam and Eve sin ? yes, but it was the change in their heart towards God which influenced their actions and therefore disrupted their relationship with God. This further highlights the harm caused from hiding from God (Genesis 3:16-19).

Although, what I find interesting is that God being omnipresent (everywhere all at once), all-knowing and all-powerful … He still asked them ‘Where are you?’ (Genesis 3:9). It wasn’t because He didn’t know but rather because He desired a relationship.

I want to highlight the obvious that no good thing can come from sin but we are encouraged to draw near to Him. As we do so, we will obtain strength and mercy in our times of weakness (Hebrews 4:16).

The Prodigal Son

In Luke 15: 11-32, we can see the younger son recognise his need to return to the Father and was welcomed in with open arms (Luke 15:20). The Lord is ready to celebrate with us and rejoices when we decide to return to Him (Luke 15:7,32).

In ‘The Prodigal God’, Timothy Keller, highlights how guilt and shame can make us feel unworthy or believe the lie that we are too far gone (Luke 15:21). Although, when we confess our sins unto God , He will show us mercy (Proverbs 28:13).

Psalm 18:30 reminds us that the Lord is perfect and even though we fall short this is why we need a saviour, whom we can hide ourselves in. As we draw near to Him, we are also called to be teachable in spirit and heart (Proverbs 12:1).

Jonah

Jonah ran from the Lords’ instruction and sailed away in an attempt to ‘escape’ (Jonah 1:3). In Jonah’s disobedience we can see how one’s actions and/or inaction can effect others. This being as those journeying with Jonah experienced disruption in their own lives, fear and confusion because of his choice to disobey (Jonah 1:5-7). This then led them to throwing Jonah off the into the sea (Jonah 1: 14-15) but God gave him another chance. This being as Jonah was swallowed by a fish and remained there for 3 days and 3 nights (Jonah 1:17).

Whilst Jonah was in the belly of the fish – this was a time of reflection and surrender. This being as distractions were removed and he was unable to escape. In the midst of trouble Jonah now turned to God in prayer where we see him having an intimate and honest conversation with the Lord (Jonah 2). Through this the Lord heard him and asked the fish to release him (Jonah 2:10).

The Lord then told Jonah to go to the great city of Nineveh (Jonah 3:1) where he initially advised him to go ( Jonah 1:1). Although, the difference was now that Jonah obeyed (Jonah 3:3) and through his obedience Nineveh was saved (Jonah 3:10).

What changed in all 3 examples given ? Their posture to the Father.

Even when we ‘run away’, ‘escape’, and ‘hide’ – the Lord still loves and protects us. We are not only called to return to Him but to see beyond ourselves and obey Him. This brings glory and honour unto Him (Micah 6:8).

Hide or Seek – what will you choose?

In every season- difficult or joyful , we have a choice: to turn to God or turn away from Him.

Instead of turning away and becoming bitter when God corrects us, Proverbs 3:11-13 encourages us to run to God. He corrects, teaches, guides and blesses those He loves – so we shouldn’t reject Him.

There is safety in the Lord – within His love, His word and His will for us (Psalm 4:8). For He is mighty to save and comforts us so we can remain at peace – for He is our place of safety (Psalm 94:19,22).

When we run to God, there is no shame – only freedom!!!!

He holds our hands and is our ever-present help ( (Isaiah 41:13 & Psalm 139:7-12).

Prayer

I pray that we will learn to trust God with our whole hearts, relying fully and depending on Him. May we give Him a complete surrender and not just a partial contribution. Amen.

Thank you for reading. Please feel free to subscribe, comment or share as you feel led. Also, if you haven’t already please do read the last post – ‘In His Light, We See Light’ and follow us on instagram @an.inquisitivemind

God bless you x