For the one who feels unseen, forgotten, and hidden, God is near, God is there—Jehovah Shammah! Beloved, cling to the name in Ezekiel 48:35, for it is a shadow of the new Jerusalem, a typology of the Church, His Bride healed, whole, restored. Today, we embark on a journey peering into the season of hiddenness, and the first thing to remember is God’s presence and providence. We are not sojourning alone.
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Navigating Seasons of Hiddenness Is All About Perspective
We live in times where people’s lives are mainstream. It has become socially acceptable to place just about anything on a platform for viewing, and almost nothing is held sacred. But the LORD calls us to be set apart—to be hidden in Him.
It's so easy to get things twisted and out of order, especially when the push is to be seen, be heard. Sometimes, even a good thing can become marred by the style in which we attain it. As I pondered this month's post and my recent journey I was reminded of these words, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. The glory is not for us, but for Him. The light we shine is to point others to Him—He must increase and we must decrease.
Sometimes, we desire to do for God; however, the longer I walk with Jesus, the more I realize it is essential to quietly abide in the presence of God. In this way, Jesus is enthroned in my heart, and my hands and feet are amply supplied with His wisdom and power to do that which He has prepared.
We also live in a culture that thrives on immediate gratification, emphasizing results before integrity. It's nothing new, that the world’s ideology greatly desires to infiltrate the church. Could this be why hiddenness is seen more as hardship than sacred?
When we feel we aren't seen or heard it can feel like we are in a “wilderness” parched, filled with wanting things to be different, and longing for the next to come. However, when we approach hiddenness or even wilderness seasons as though they are bad, we miss out on appreciating what the Lord desires to do and is indeed doing.
Often, the propensity is to resist the seasons of divine appointment. Instead, we see ourselves packed in soil without nourishment, surrounded by darkness, and suffocating. And this is so important because in the natural we can inadvertently attribute what we experience, and what we feel is happening to us as though it is the nature of God himself. It is not! God is good. God does good. God works all things for our good.
Our mindset is critical because if we see the season for anything other than what God has intended, we may have hard thoughts of unbelief about the Lord, miss out on the miracle in the middle, mismanage the journey, or even attempt to manipulate our way out.
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Hiddenness Is Holy
I continue to discover that when I allow Jesus to be the origin of my perspective, by filtering my experiences through the truth of His word, His life brings forth light. Though hidden seasons can feel obscure, the truth is in Christ; it is a place of awe, wonder, illumination, and revelation of Him. “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.” Psalm 36:9. It's a time where Jesus meets us and invites us to find rest (Matthew 11:29) that is only found in Him. And His request leads us into deeper intimacy with Him.
I considered the words of Jesus concerning the work He came to fulfill, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” John 12:24. Then was reminded of His words, “…follow me…” John 12:26. Savor His divine invitation.
Over Holy Week, things were tranquil, and I felt the prompting to soak in the word. And I was reminded that even in His death, there was a flicker🔥, for He had said, “…Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Luke 23:46. Immediately, I was reminded of David’s words, “Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. Psalm 16:9. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.” Psalm 16:10.
What the world saw was the enemy wielding the power of death… Yet, it was the foreknowledge and wisdom of God that was hidden. “But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” 1 Corinthians 2:7-8.
Jesus' life, death, and resurrection bear the divine receipts of our justification. His ascension brought forth the outpouring of the Spirit, the seal, and witness: we are children of the Living God. Beloved, remember when God calls you into a season of hiddenness, it is not a bad thing—it is holy.
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Hidden in Christ: My Rock
The longer I walk in this season, the more Jesus is revealed. There has been a revelation of His righteousness that is everlasting, and over the past six weeks, it has been the Lord my Rock. Again, it is linked to being hidden. Throughout the Bible, many saints found themselves using the Rock as their hiding place, where they were given water for their thirst, shade from the heat, and protection from their enemies.
What has continued to be impressed upon me is the size of the Rock, how it towers over everything else, casting a magnificent shadow. In the word, shadow can have a positive or negative connotation, however, each time it refers to God’s character, it is positive. It speaks to the shade that is cast by clearly perceived boundaries, how He is our hiding place, and covering.
So take heart, beloved, if you are walking in a season of unknowns, where it is uncomfortable, and you feel hidden, remember transformation is happening, and that this time we can receive more revelation of the LORD. Let us consider the Lord’s nearness and how He has drawn us with His kindness to this deserted place (Mark 6:31). And it is there (Shammah) where the Lord Himself will rest, refresh, and restore us.
He will reveal Himself in a fresh way that meets our every need. My friend, embrace the season as a sacred space because you are in the Shadow of His Wings—the place of His grand providence, gracious provision, and fierce protection.
“But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-10.
Savor every moment in His presence, for here in this place we come to know and believe Him. His very mind is unveiled as we abide in sweet communion with Him.
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April Scripture Meditation
“For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.” Psalm 36:9
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“He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.” Psalm 62:2
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“for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.” Psalm 63:7.
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“Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!” Psalm 65:4.
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“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1.
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“The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand.” Psalm 121:5.
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"And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat." Mark 6:31.
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"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:29.
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“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3.
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“But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-10.
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Biblical Journal Prompts
Reflect on a time when you felt unseen, unheard, or forgotten. How did you experience God's presence during that season? What lessons did you learn about His faithfulness?
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Consider the concept of hiddenness as you spjourn. Have there been times when you resisted or struggled with embracing a season of divine appointment? How can you shift your perspective to see hiddenness as holy and transformative?
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Meditate on the imagery of God as your Rock and Fortress. In what ways has He been your shelter and protection during challenging times? Journal about specific instances where you found refuge in Him.
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Explore the idea of abiding in the shadow of God's wings. What does it mean to dwell in His presence and find joy there? Reflect on Psalm 63:7 and how it relates to your own experiences of seeking refuge in God.
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Contemplate the truth that your life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). How does this reality shape your identity and perspective on hidden seasons? Journal about the security and peace that come from being rooted in Christ.
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Spend time meditating on the Scriptures provided for April's Scripture Meditation. Which verse resonates with you the most at this moment, and why? How can you incorporate its message into your daily life?
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Consider the profound mystery of God's wisdom and provision revealed through hiddenness. Reflect on 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 and how the Spirit unveils God's deep truths to those who seek Him. How can you cultivate a heart that is receptive to the Spirit's guidance and revelation?
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