Hide-n-Seek

“And the Lord replied, “He is hiding among the baggage.”  [1 Samuel 10:22]

Did you grow up playing hide-n-seek? I did and it was one of my favorite games to play as a kid. I don’t know what it is about that game, but almost every young child I know enjoys learning how to play hide-n-seek. My 3-year-old spiritual grandson loves to hide and then wait for his Poppa to come find him. He certainly reminds me of myself when I was a young boy learning how to play the game. When I was growing up, the outside of our house was lined with all kinds of shrubs and bushes, providing lots of cover for my hiding places. Not always the “softest” places to hide!  

Unfortunately, some of us as adults are still playing hide-n-seek. Based on the passage above, Saul falls into this category. He had been ordained by God to be the first king of Israel and God confirmed that by having the prophet Samuel anoint Saul with oil. However, some time had passed between that anointing and the coronation. Finally, the day came and when the people went looking for Saul, he was nowhere to be found. He was playing the adult version of hide-n-seek! Since no one was able to locate him, God finally informed the people as to Saul’s hideout – “He is hiding among the baggage.” 

Saul played hide-n-seek with God’s purpose and promise for his life. Saul was carrying around a lot of “baggage” even though he was God’s chosen man to be king. Saul remembered all the things that had been spoken about him and over him:  “Your tribe is the smallest  among the Israelites”; “Your family is the least important in the whole tribe.” Yet none of that mattered to God. Samuel was insecure, intimidated by others, full of doubt, and perhaps even carried some guilt. So, he went and hid himself among the “baggage.”

What about you? Are you playing the adult version of hide-n-seek? Are you hiding among the baggage of your past? Your guilt? Your shame? Those hurtful words that you spoke earlier this week? Those thoughts? Those websites you visited when you thought no one was watching? What is the “baggage” in which you hide?

God longs to free you from your “baggage!” He found you a long time ago! As a matter of fact, He saw you and knew you before you were born! You are His special creation! There is not another one like you in the entire universe! He loves you…yes, you!!

Is it time to stop playing hide-n-seek?