Hiding from God

“The sons of Israel did things secretly which were not right against the Lord their God.”
2 Kings 17:9 NASB

It was a dark time in Israel. Deciding to ignore or reject God’s Word, they seemed to realize that what they were doing was “not right.” But that didn’t matter. They simply decided to go their own way.

Yet, knowing that God would not be pleased, they tried to hide their actions from Him by acting “secretly.” The Hebrew word here (used for the only time in the Bible) comes from a root word that implies being veiled or shielded. Thus, in effect, they were trying to cover up what they really were doing, as if placing a veil over themselves in the hopes that others (including God) could not see them.

They acted covertly, just like spies, disguising their real intentions, and masking their true actions. But, all along, God knew what they were doing.

People throughout history have made this same mistake. We think of Adam and Eve, who tried to hide themselves and their sins from God (Genesis 3:8). Others, like Achan, have thought that God would never see their actions, and so they could do what they wanted (Joshua 7:21).

Jesus said, “There is nothing hidden that shall not be disclosed, nor anything secret that shall not be known and come out into the open” (Luke 8:17). We may try to hide from others. But God knows everything we do! Every thought! Every action! We cannot hide from Him.

Today, remember that God knows everything about you. You cannot hide anything from Him. Don’t run from Him or try to hide. He really wants the best for you, but you need to be honest with Him. Open your heart and mind. Let Him teach and purify you. Free you from burdens and cleanse you from sins. Seek to live in harmony with His Word.

Prayer: Father, You know my heart. Search me right now. Cleanse me and free me from anything that displeases You. Help me to have a more intimate relationship with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.