O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; my soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. (Psalm 63:1 NASB)

Jane ducked behind the trash can in the ally. She had to catch her breath. She was small enough that the can hid her completely. Her pursuers were close on her heels. She had to make it back home before they found her. She peeked out; the coast was clear. She tiptoed to the end of the alley. Quietly, quietly. She peeked around the corner. Home was just a few feet away. And there was a big bush between her and home. If she could just run fast enough, she could get to the bush without being seen.

 One, two, three, go! She ran as quickly and quietly as she could. Whew! She made it. Now to get to the porch safely. She peeked through the branches. No one in sight. Oh, there was her brother on the other side of the house.  He was looking the other way. She might make it if she was really quiet and fast. Her brother took a few steps further down the grass on the side of the house. This was her chance. She looked around one more time. No one else in sight.

“Okay,” she whispered. “Here I go!” She ran with all her might. She even closed her eyes for a second thinking it would propel her forward faster. Almost there.

“Hey! I see you Jane,” her brother, Andy, hollered as he ran around the side of the house.

Only a few more steps. They both raced to the ribbon tied around the porch post at the top of the steps.

“You don’t have a chance, Jane. I’m bigger and faster than you,” Andy taunted.

Jane didn’t say a word. She was saving her breath to get her to the porch post. Almost there…almost… “Ha! I beat you!” Jane shouted in victory as she held onto the ribbon, trying to catch her breath just as Andy reached the bottom step. She did a victory dance on the porch, still holding onto the ribbon. Shortly, the other children started running to home base. Trying to beat Andy to the ribbon.

Melody watched her children as they played ‘Hide and Seek’. She smiled at her daughter’s victory.

Hmmm. You know, isn’t life a lot like hide and seek? she thought. We all try to make it to ‘home base’, which to me is the foot of the cross. We try to get there before Satan and his minions can catch us and keep us from reaching our goal. No matter how hard we try, there are times when we are seen, and even caught. But Jesus provides cover for us along our journey. He gives us a place to hide and refreshes us with His word. He comforts us and encourages us along the way. Isn’t that fantastic? Our Lord takes the time to accompany us along our way and even takes care of us and guides us.

She thought about her philosophy for a while. Then she looked heavenward and said, “Thank You Lord, for helping us get past the hurdles and obstacles Satan puts in our paths. Thank You for refreshing our souls and filling us with Your love every time we need it. You are truly amazing.”

As she carried a pitcher of lemonade and a plate of cookies out for the children, she smiled. They all ran to her with grins and laughter as she handed them the treats, which they gobbled down like little baby birds.

And now, we pray…

Lord, You are so amazing. It’s hard for us sometimes to understand just what You do for us day by day. Help us to give You credit and many thanks for all You do for each and every one of us. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN!

Hide and Seek (© Barb Witt 2/24/2020)

About the Author:

Barb Witt is a Christian wife, mother and grandmother who loves gardening, quilting, crafting, writing poetry and devotions, and is working on a children’s book. She has created an email devotional and prayer warrior ministry that she sends out daily. If you’re interested in being added to her email list let us know.