“When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.” John 12:36b
Ever have times when you feel like hiding? I bet we all do—and we’re in good company. The apostle John tells us that Jesus hid, too.
The instance in the scripture above took place in Jerusalem during the week before Jesus’ crucifixion. While speaking to a crowd, he predicted his death and encouraged the people to “‘trust in the light . . . so that you may become sons of light,’” and then he left and hid from them.
We aren’t told why Jesus hid from the people at this time. Maybe he needed a break from the crowd surrounding him daily, or possibly he was trying to prevent an uproar that could lead to his death before the time was right. He might have wanted the people to have time to consider what he’d just said. Whatever the reason, Jesus saw the importance or felt the need to hide.
An oft-quoted passage from the Bible tells us that “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”(Ecclesiastes 3:1) If Jesus saw that there was indeed a time to hide, should we not secret ourselves away at times as well?
So when should we hide away—either from everyone, those outside our closest circle, or maybe just from our work environment?
One time might be when we’re in serious need of rest or refreshment. Another could be when we need some time to focus on a certain project, person, or aspect of our lives.
There may even come a time when we need a period of healing or a season when we need to hide for protection. And we always benefit when we take time to hide away with the Lord, through daily time in prayer and the Word and also in extended times alone with him.
I wonder if it’s a time to hide for any of us right now. Can we sense the importance of such a time? Do we feel the need? Let’s remember that there is indeed a time for everything. Yes, even a time to hide.
“. . . hide me in the shadow of your wings” Psalm 17:8b
*When was the last time you hid? Why did you do it? What resulted? Do you need to hide now?
*Flickr photo by Duncan~
Hi Cheryl,
I have felt the need to hide away at times, yes. Often just a few hours or days away from normal life, in the quiet of home with my Bible, journal, Abba, and often a cup of coffee… and life feels calmer again.
You? When was the last time you hid?
Have a great week,
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Jennifer, I know what you mean about even just a few hours away from normal life helping to relieve the stress. We need that at times!
My most recent hiding away time has been kind of an on-going thing the past year or so as I’ve avoided overcommitent to focus more on my writing. And sometimes when I’m feeling especially pressed, I’ve learned to give myself permission to stay at home and not push myself. Again, so needed at times. Blessings to you this week!
Cheryl – Like you I feel a need to hide away and not overly-commit myself right now, so that I might devote more time to my writing. I have been working on a novel for many years now, and I feel that only by hiding away I will finally focus my efforts and finish it.
Mairead, our stories are just alike. Last year I realized I needed to focus on my book project in order to finally get it done. I’m still submitting a few things to magazines, etc., and also Blue Mountain Arts, but it’s taken me really focusing on my book to actually get it close to completion. Good luck with yours!
Thanks for this post. I had not realized what was giving me turmoil…have not been hiding away with God…nor have I been journaling or blogging. I see the connection. My time apart is what feeds my soul, and allows the creativity to flow.
Bless you, Cheryl! Anna Marie
I’ve been thinking about this very thing in recent days, Cheryl. Yes, I feel a need to hide-away for a season. I’m still figuring out what that might mean for me, but for now, I’m spending less time on the computer and more time with my family.
Great post.
~elaine
Anna Marie, so glad this post was helpful. Thanks for letting me know!
Elaine, may God guide you into the perfect-for-you hide-away season right now!
Good message Cheryl!
Popping in to respond to your comment on my blog about the give-away you won of my book over at Elaine’s. Congratulations and I’m so glad you won it. I pray you are blessed by it.
Love and blessings and stay well!
Lisa
Thanks for dropping in, Lisa. Glad you liked the message of today’s post. Many blessings to you, too!