Hiding Place

The swirling thoughts are overwhelming my mind. Pressures and inadequacies. Anxiety and depression. Isolation. Fear. Loneliness. Uncertainty. So much noise. Blocking out the truth.

Feeling surrounded by darkness. How do I break free? I push back, but the strength has left me. Feeling so weak. Weighed down by it all. I feel like giving in. Giving up. “I’m done” echos through my brain. How do I go on? Can’t find a reason to fight anymore.

Then, slowly through the darkness, a sliver of hope. Of remembrance. God’s faithfulness in the past. He’s done it before. Can He do it again? He’s saved me many times. Pulled me out of this darkness. But am I too far gone this time? I hear a voice quietly respond, “Never too far, my child.”

I feel His love slowly breaking through the barrier of these swirling thoughts. The lies fight back in futility. His truths begin flooding my brain to combat the darkness in my mind. And then I remember the feeling of safety. In His hiding place. Safe refuge. Shelter. Fortress. Sanctuary. Under the shadow of His wings.

His strong, but gentle, embrace. Pulling me in. Rescuing me from the dark thoughts. The lies that are trying to take me out. Remembrance. Bridging the gap between the past and the present. He’s rescued me before. He’ll do it again. Be still. He’s trustworthy.

Deep breath. Lean back. Into His strong and steady arms. They pull me close. As sobs wrack my body. Slowly letting go. Surrendering. Releasing it to Him. Be still. Breathe deep.

Time slows here in His arms. The darkness has been expelled. I’ve entered into the hiding place. Where He is my shield against the lies. My safe place. Crying until I can’t cry anymore. As He wipes away the tears, I feel His peace begin to wash over me. Slowly at first. And then it completely engulfs me. I can trust Him.

Truths replacing the lies. Do not be anxious. You can trust Me. You are not alone. Do not be afraid. For I am with you. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. I’m right here.

Safe in His arms. He comforts me. He’s unchanging. I can turn to Him. When the thoughts start spiraling out of control. When the darkness feels as if it might swallow me. He’s my strength. My safe refuge from the tormenting thoughts. My shelter from the storm that rages in my mind. My hiding place.

In this hiding place is where healing happens. Words of love spoken over the wounds of the past. Like a restorative balm to my soul. The strong embrace of a Father who loves me unconditionally. The knowledge of being created in His image. Fearfully and wonderfully made. Adopted into His family. Loved with an everlasting love. Walking into the freedom He offers me. Here. Safe. In His hiding place.