Proverbs 8:17-21

¹⁷ “I love all who love me.
    Those who search will surely find me.
¹⁸ I have riches and honor,
    as well as enduring wealth and justice.
¹⁹ My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold,
    my wages better than sterling silver!
²⁰ I walk in righteousness,
    in paths of justice.
²¹ Those who love me inherit wealth.
    I will fill their treasuries.

“Ready or not, here I come!” This phrase was often heard throughout our neighborhood as we all loved to play hide-and-seek. It was not uncommon to rush over to a friend’s house after school or spend countless hours during the summer break playing such games. Yet, God most certainly pierced my heart today relating His character to this game.

By definition, hide-and-seek involves a group of kids hiding while one person is designated to find them. The game starts off with the seeker counting with his/her eyes closed while countless children run purposefully to conceal their location within the environment. After announcing, “Ready or not, here I come!” the seeker sets out to find the camouflaged participants. The winner is usually the child who is found last…meaning, he did a superb job at hiding.

In reading through Proverbs 8 today, God taught me a simple and even humbling lesson concerning hide-and-seek. My Father loves those who love Him. He is the God of love and light. He wants to be found! Proverbs 8:17 clearly states, “I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me.” Yes and Amen!

Dear friends, can’t you see it now? During the game of hide-and-seek, God is the one standing right in the middle of the field shouting, “I’m right here! I’m so glad you were seeking me! There is no need to look any further. Come and rest in my shadow.” What a true blessing. [Yes, He didn’t follow the rules of the game but PRAISE GOD!…that’s the point.]

Honestly, this is one of the most peaceful messages I could ever hear. God wants to be found! There may be times when He appears quiet, but “…in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

I am beyond thankful that I serve a God that wants to be found. Why do we make it so hard? “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Revelation 3:20). Again, Father God announces Himself in order to be known, “Here I am!” We are undeserving of such attention.

False religions will teach you that you must work to find God or ‘a god.’ The lost spend their time here on earth playing hide-and-seek with the devil! He pulls you away deeper and deeper by confusing you. Some believe their great works will open the last door which will reveal their god when in fact deception stares right back at them. The devil is the author of lies. In the game of hide-and-seek, the one and true God is out in the middle calling for you, “Here I am!” You just have to seek, He will reveal!

Thankful,

Christian Armetta