Hiding from God

“The sons of Israel did things secretly which were not right against the Lord their God.”
2 Kings 17:9 NASB


It was a dark time in Israel. Deciding to ignore or reject God’s Word, they seemed to realize that what they were doing was “not right.” But that didn’t matter. They simply decided to go their own way.

Yet, knowing that God would not be pleased, they tried to hide their actions from Him by acting “secretly.” The Hebrew word here (used for the only time in the Bible) comes from a root word that implies being veiled or shielded. Thus, in effect, they were trying to cover up what they really were doing, as if placing a veil over themselves in the hopes that others (including God) could not see them.

They acted covertly, just like spies, disguising their real intentions, and masking their true actions. But, all along, God knew what they were doing.

People throughout history have made this same mistake. We think of Adam and Eve, who tried to hide themselves and their sins from God (Genesis 3:8). Others, like Achan, have thought that God would never see their actions, and so they could do what they wanted (Joshua 7:21).

Jesus said, “There is nothing hidden that shall not be disclosed, nor anything secret that shall not be known and come out into the open” (Luke 8:17). We may try to hide from others. But God knows everything we do! Every thought! Every action! We cannot hide from Him.

Today, remember that God knows everything about you. You cannot hide anything from Him. Don’t run from Him or try to hide. He really wants the best for you, but you need to be honest with Him. Open your heart and mind. Let Him teach and purify you. Free you from burdens and cleanse you from sins. Seek to live in harmony with His Word.


Today's Inspiring Prayer


Father, You know my heart. Search me right now. Cleanse me and free me from anything that displeases You. Help me to have a more intimate relationship with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Inspiration Ministries

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Destined for the Cross

Destined for the Cross

Read | Romans 6:8-11

When you saw the title for today’s devotion, I imagine that you thought it was about Jesus. If so, you’re half right. The cross is always about Jesus, but believers are also destined for sacrifice and death.

“Death to self” happens at the moment of salvation, when we are crucified with Christ (Rom. 6:6). The old self dies, and we are given a new nature as the Holy Spirit comes to live within us (John 14:17). At times it takes a bit longer to get to the sacrifice—the moment when we hand over to God everything we love and value.

God doesn’t stop at salvation; His purpose is to conform believers to the likeness of His Son (Rom. 8:29). So He gives us a new nature—then we can experience freedom because Jesus has triumphed over sin. But in order to live as God intends, we must be willing to give Christ the centermost position in our lives. As a result, the Lord calls us to the cross on a daily basis to lay down the things that might distract us from our purpose to serve and follow Him.

Don’t misunderstand what it means to be destined for the cross. God isn’t going to take away everything and leave us as lonely paupers. Putting our valuables on the cross—whether they are possessions, people, or dreams—frees us from the attachments of this world.

When we lay down worldly attachments, our self-esteem isn’t tied to “stuff” and our sense of acceptance doesn’t come from people. We are complete in the Lord. Or as Paul said, we are “alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 6:11). Enjoying a new life in Christ is worth a daily trip to the cross.