Psalm 23:4 (ESV)
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
“One, two, three, four…ten…twenty…thirty…one hundred. Okay, I am coming… to look for you.” This is one memory of my childhood games after dinner every evening while the mothers and grandmothers were gathered for their daily chatter. The simple hide and seek never fails to thrill me and I was determined not to be discovered. In the excitement of the game, I was still fearful. Fearful to be found and lose the game. I am sure you have played too. My children loved it. We played it again and again, and Pr. Edward and I would pretend we didn’t see them and let them win sometimes. Many times they chose to hide in the most familiar obvious corners, while other times in real dark secret hideouts. The real deal was our eyes never really miss their whereabouts, yet, we would still call out, “Where are you?” We’re in this game together. We walked them through it, the thrill and all. In the darkest corners, our eyes still searched for them not to find them out but to watch out for their safety. Sometimes they refused to come out because they simply didn’t want to be found and lose the game. We had to coax them, “Okay, you can come out now.” They would run straight to our arms instead of touching the winning point.
Hide no more, for the world is “waiting earnestly for the children of God to be revealed”. (Romans 8:19) No one hides unless there is some form of fear. Fear of the exposure of sins, guilt, shame or even fear of the unknown. Life is liken to a big long game. Our Father leads us through, even “in the valley of the shadow of death.” Unlike the classic hide and seek game, where my children need to race ahead of their father or mother from their hideout to win; or remain hidden to avoid being found, God is waiting and watching intently over us. He calls us out from our darkest hideout to end all our fears. Fear of losing the life game? When we step out to follow God, will we lose our dreams? Death of our aspirations and ambition? Financial loss? Property loss? Family and friends? God wants us to step out and step up as warriors – what about the dangers and impending death?
The truth is he walks with us. He is in the game with us. He is in the battle with us. Therefore, even if we have to journey along a dark path facing evil, harm and danger including death, he promises his presence (“for you are with me”), his protection (“your rod and staff”) and peace (“they comfort me”).
We walk through this life – a journey with the good Shepherd. There may seem many threats awaiting us when we stop hiding. Yes, threats. They seek to intimidate like the dark shadows. Shadows that magnify reality. Even if it is an actual physical death, it is not the end. Death is a passage to heaven. Instead of indulging in a pseudo enjoyment of our hiding, or trembling in fear of being uncovered, hear the sweet comforting voice of our Shepherd says, “Fear not, for I am with you,” (Isaiah 41:10) We will run into his arms like my children ran to mine and proclaim, “I will fear no evil, for you are with me;”
Hide no more. Fear no more. The warrior is fearless, because the warrior is first a child of God.
“Loving Father, I fear not. No darkness nor danger shall overcome me. You protect me. Your presence is with me always. I am your warrior child. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
© Pr Selina Khoo Lim, Gateway City Church, Penang. 8 April 2020.