#177: Why Are You Hiding

Just the other day, I was dreading a difficult conversation with an individual at work. The project we were working on was filled with tension, we had opposing ideas, and his reputation of a mean, intimidating, and contentious man did not make it easier. I needed to reach out to make progress, but I was stalling and avoiding the interaction. My mind was playing out all the horrible possible outcomes of a phone call. I tried email instead of a phone conversation, but that did not resolve the issues and actually made them worse. Finally, I had to have our conversation over the phone. I made the call. To my surprise, it was nothing like what I was dreading. It was fine, cooperative, and of no consequence. The situation was resolved in about 5 minutes. It ended graciously. Why had I let my fear put me in hiding for so long?

In 1 Kings, I related to the story of Obadiah. He was the governor of Ahab’s house. The Bible says that he feared the Lord greatly and this was evidenced by his actions. 

1 Kings 18:4 For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)

It had to be hard serving a king that had no affection for the things of God, but Obadiah did things for the Lord in this environment. Secretly, he served. While on a mission for Ahab, Obadiah crossed paths with God’s servant, Elijah.

1 Kings 18:7-8 And as Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met him: and he knew him, and fell on his face, and said, Art thou that my lord Elijah? And he answered him, I am: go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here.

Upon hearing this request, Obadiah crumbled. His fear of the possible outcome prevented his action. All he had to do was go and tell Ahab about Elijah. But that action would require that he come out of hiding. He made so many assumptions regarding the result of this action. Finally, he did what was required. He came out of hiding and told Ahab about Elijah. The reality of Ahab’s response was not what Obadiah had envisioned.

1 Kings 18:16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him: and Ahab went to meet Elijah.

That was it. Ahab went. No punishment, no conflict, no retribution, no killing. 

Have your thoughts of what might be sabotaged your ability to act? When faced with a situation, the first thing our thoughts go to is a graphic scene of what MIGHT happen. If we allow that story to become reality to us, then that pattern of thoughts and assumptions paralyze our ability to take action. 

Elijah also had a period of time where he convinced himself that he needed to go into hiding. He had a real threat on his life, but he also had just experienced the very real power of God. You would think that given his faith and his experience with God, that he would have faced his fear head on. However, his fear of Jezebel and of what might happen trumped the reality of God in his life. He went into hiding. Has this ever happened to you?

The sweetness of the Lord our God allowed this behavior, for a time.

1 Kings 19:5-6 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.

The Lord took care of him and met his physical and emotional needs. Just as it is true for you and me, the season of hiding has to come to an end.

1 Kings 19:13  And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?

After being faced with this question, Elijah was motivated to gathered himself together and come out of hiding. 

So why are you still in hiding? What task are you avoiding because of a fear of what might happen?

Psalm 146:8 The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous:

When we allow ourselves to remain in this emotional state, we are blinding ourselves with fictitious assumptions that cripple us. 

Proverbs 26:13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.

We can convince ourselves that there is a “lion in the way” or any number of threats that should warrant us remaining in hiding, But the Lord can open our eyes, he can raise us up and give us courage to face the task. We have to be willing to label our thoughts as fictitious lies and recognize that they are disabling our actions for today.

In Revelation, the Lord says “Come out…my people.” 

Revelation 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

I need to face my situations and deal with them actively. Going into hiding is not accomplishing the tasks that are before me. Some things might be difficult, confrontational, and uncertain. But I have to step out, take the Lord with me, and take care of business. Take a good look at your reasons for being in hiding. Let the Lord encourage you, give you strength, courage, and draw you out. Don’t continue in hiding. You have important work to do!

Related Bible Passages:

1 Kings 18-19
Psalms 146
Proverbs 26
Revelation 18

Have a face to face conversation with your Lord:

Lord, what am I hiding from?

Lord, what have you asked me to do that I am avoiding?

Lord, what are my reasons for remaining in hiding? Is it a “lion in the streets,” or is it fear of confrontation? 

Lord, I know you help me emotionally and physically. Help me to face my fears and come out of hiding.

If you are interested in having a collection of these devotional conversations, consider purchasing the devotional book, Conversations: Face to Face with Your Lord Book 1 or Conversations: Face to Face with Your Lord Book 2. Book 3 is coming soon! They are available from Amazon by clicking on the titles above.