Step Out of Hiding: Embrace the Father’s Heart

Life often finds us retreating to familiar places when we mess up. Whether it's behind literal or metaphorical curtains, we’ve all experienced the instinct to hide—from pain, frustration, disappointment, or even God Himself. But what if stepping out of the shadows could actually bring us closer to God’s love and protection?

Where Are You Hiding?

Imagine the innocence of a child playing hide-and-seek, giggling behind a curtain with tiny feet sticking out. As adults, our hiding spots become more complex—sometimes even hidden in plain sight. Are you hiding in the busyness of church life, masking distance from God with songs, service, and activity?

We often focus on the younger son's rebellion in Jesus's parable of the lost son. But the older son, though physically present in his father’s house, was just as distant in his heart. How can we tell? He no longer rejoiced in what his father celebrated. Similarly, when our hearts stop delighting in what brings God joy, we, in like manner, drift from His heart.

A Call to Worship from the Heart

Worship isn’t about preferences—it’s about the posture of the heart. As one woman shared, even if someone recited the alphabet backwards, she would still find a way to worship Jesus. That’s the key: true worship flows from a heart inclined toward the Father, not from external circumstances.

It’s easy to focus on what we don't like in worship styles or church traditions, but the challenge is to worship despite our preferences. When we seek God with all our hearts, we discover that He is enough. Everything we need is found in Him.

God’s Kindness Leads Us Home

God isn’t angry with you. His anger toward sin was satisfied on the cross so that He could look upon you with love. Romans reminds us: “It’s God’s kindness that leads us to repentance.” That kindness invites us out of our self-made hiding places and into the safety of His embrace.

Like the Israelites in Babylon, God calls us to step out of exile and return to Him. He declares in Jeremiah 29:11: “I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God’s plans aren’t always the ones we envision, but they are always for our good.

Hidden in Christ

Paul’s words in Colossians 3:3 paint a powerful picture: “Your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” This is the safest place to be—fully surrendered, fully secure, and fully known. When Christ is our life, everything we need is found in Him. Even in life’s hardest moments, we can find refuge under His wings.

Psalm 91 beautifully describes this shelter:

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him.”

What Will Your Response Be?

God is calling you out of hiding today. It starts with worship—lifting your hands and heart to Him in surrender, whether in the sanctuary, the kitchen, or the car. Worship isn’t about perfect circumstances; it’s about recognising the worthiness of our unchanging God.

As Psalm 91 reminds us, He rescues those who love Him, protects those who trust in His Name and surrounds us with His faithful promises. Whatever you’re facing, He invites you to step into His presence and find rest.

The Invitation

Today, as you reflect on God’s kindness, take the step of saying, “I’m here.” Let go of the hiding places you’ve created and hide yourself in Him instead. He is your refuge, your safe place, and your hope. Worship Him not because life is easy, but because He is worthy of it all.

Stepping Forward in Faith

Amid life’s chaos, when the storms rage and the path seems uncertain, the safest response is worship. It shifts our focus from the enormity of our problems to the greatness of our God. Worship is not merely a song or a Sunday routine—it’s a declaration of trust, an act of faith, and an offering of love.

When we lift our hands in surrender, we acknowledge His sovereignty. When we sing His praises, we affirm His faithfulness. And when we seek Him with all our hearts, we align ourselves with His plans—plans that are higher and better than anything we could imagine.

A Final Word of Encouragement

Life’s pain and disappointments are real, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But even in those moments, God’s invitation remains: “Come to Me.” He is not distant or hiding; He’s waiting for you to find your refuge in Him.

As you close this chapter of reflection, consider Paul’s words in Philippians 1:21: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” This isn’t a resignation to hardship but a bold declaration that Christ is enough—whether in life or death, joy or sorrow.

Lean into His kindness, trust in His plans, and find your hiding place in Him. And as you do, may your life become a testimony of His grace, a beacon of hope, and a reflection of His unending love.

A Prayerful Declaration

Father, today I step out of hiding. I bring You my pain, my fears, and my failures. I surrender my heart to You and trust in Your goodness. Thank You for being my refuge, strength, and safe place. Teach me to worship You with all my heart, in every season, and to seek You above all else. You are worthy of it all. Amen.

This blog is based on a sermon delivered by Pastor Stuart Blount on November 24, 2024, at the City Church Swansea