When I was growing up, one of my great joys was to find a hiding place; a quiet place for just me and my book. Our house had an attic, finished and furnished, which had two dormers. The dormers were windows that were vertical to a slanted roof. The space by each window was just enough for me to curl up in, enjoying many precious reading moments without interruption. It’s fun to go back to this house where my mother and brother still live and remember all the glorious adventures and discoveries those books provided me. They were the beginnings of a life-long love of books.
Psalm 32 opens the window on another hiding place, a sanctuary, which is not a place. It is our God whose welcoming arms wrap around us when troubles and temptations (the terrible two!) are too close for comfort. At times, when I’m praying, I try to imagine sitting on the Father’s lap, being hugged and held close to his heart.
Ah, what a hiding place, a quiet space, a sanctuary!
Loving God, please protect me, hold me and keep me safe this day. Remind me always that you truly are a hiding place for me. Amen. — LW