A year ago, life looked much different for us all. These past two months have brought so many changes and difficulties that none of us saw coming, much less could imagine. But for me, as we enter another week of social distancing and wondering when we will return to normal, I find myself looking back over the past year and being amazed at the journey God has taken me on.
Last year at this time I was almost three years into a position at the organization I had served for 16 years. And while the transition into the position had been a long one with many tough days, I was getting to a place where I thought things were headed in the right direction only to be told in my review, “It’s not working.” Immediately after the meeting, I broke down in tears. As the tears flowed, I sat by myself, paralyzed with fear thinking of what I would do and how I would support myself. I was devastated, hurt, and even angry; but mostly I was filled with questions, wondering what on earth I was going to do! After sitting in my emotions before the Lord, I called a friend and asked if I could come over as I simply said, “The meeting went badly, and I didn’t feel like being alone.”
As soon as I walked into her house, she gave me a hug and said, “While this caught you off guard, God was not surprised by this.” In that moment I had been expecting, or maybe hoping, for something more empathetic, but to be reminded that God knew it was coming even when I didn’t, was the best reminder I could have received at the time. In fact, several others in my life reminded me that in God’s sovereignty, He was still in control even if it felt like my life was anything but in control. Upon hearing the news of my losing my job, my mom responded by saying, “We will just have to watch and see what God is up to.”
When walking through difficult days or experiencing trials that feel bigger than anything we can make it through, even living through a global pandemic; being reminded of God’s Word and the truth of His promises found in it is exactly where our hearts and minds should be focused. “The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24
Over the past year, I have been blown away to see how God has provided, bringing opportunities and connections at just the right time, including the chance to start Hide and Seek Scriptures. But when the global pandemic COVID-19 broke out I found myself once again questioning the way forward and had to remind myself that while the world was caught off guard, the Lord was not, and He is still in control and worthy of our trust. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water that sends out its roots by the stream and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8
My hope with starting Hide and Seek was to provide personalized scripture cards that can serve as daily reminders focusing on God’s truth, using them as author Paul Tautges suggests to “kill worry with daggers of truth.” As Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Anxiety and depression have been a growing concern in recent years and all the more as we walk through the uncertainties of COVID-19. While Hide and Seek scripture cards aren’t the answer, they do point to the One who is and can hopefully serve as a daily reminder of God’s Word and One who brings peace. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
If you or someone you know could use these daily reminders, check out the different sets now available on our website, including the Be Anxious for Nothing set.