Hide/Hidden – Cover, Conceal, Out of View

Throughout Scripture, the concept of hiding appears in various contexts—from humanity's attempt to conceal sin from God, to God's protection of His people, to the mystery of His divine purposes. Understanding these different dimensions helps us grasp both our need for God's grace and the security found in Him.

Hiding from God

Adam and Eve hid from God after sinning (Gen 3:6-12). They realized His Holy presence exposes sin, and so tried to avoid Him. They knew they were guilty, not wanting to be confronted and held accountable for their actions; hiding from those in authority continues to be a natural reaction after doing wrong.

However, God is omniscient and omnipresent (all knowing and present everywhere), so it is futile to try to hide things from Him, to whom we must give account (Mt 10:26; 1 Cor 4:5; Heb 4:13). "For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open" (Lk 8:17).

The truth exposes what we try to hide

Sin severs fellowship with God, causing Him to hide His face from us (Deut 31:18; Isa 59:2; Ezek 39:24). Cain expressed it as, "I will be hidden from your presence" (Gen 4:14). Although most sin is committed in darkness or out of the gaze of man, only that which is brought to the 'Light' and confessed can be forgiven (Jn 3:19-20; 1 Jn 1:9). The guilt of sin causes a breakdown in other relationships too, besides bringing about various physical ailments especially because of un-forgiveness (Ps 32:3-5).

God's Hidden Purposes

In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. There are some things God has kept hidden from us, and we should not try and speculate, other things He has revealed (Deut 29:29). Many times we don't understand the reason why things happen the way they do in life, however we can be sure of His infinite love to us with everything working together for our good (Rom 8:28).

In the Old Testament God's plan of salvation was largely kept hidden while in the New Testament it is fully revealed (1 Cor 2:7-8; Eph 3:8-11). The wise and learned are often blinded to the way of salvation; because they rely on their own ability and resources, thinking they don't need it, it is concealed from them (Lk 10:21).

God reveals His truth to the humble

Pray that your eyes will be opened to see the truth of God's Word, the Holy Spirit revealing the infinite riches of the salvation we have received (Ps 119:18; Eph 1:7-8).

Hiding for Protection

Sometimes hiding something is for its protection rather than concealment. When David declared, "God is my hiding place" he was acknowledging his own vulnerability together with the security and safety the Lord's protection provided (Ps 17:8, 31:20, 32:7, 57:1). Jesus wanted to gather the people together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but they refused (Mt 23:37).

He wants to protect us similarly, will we let Him? As Christians, we are secure, being hidden with Christ in God (Col 2:3, 3:3). We should also hide or store His word in our heart so it will be a deterrent to sin, because God 'desires truth in the inner man' which is the wellspring of our life (Ps 51:6, 119:11; Prov 4:23; 1 Pet 3:4).

I am safe in Jesus

Although the spiritual realm is unseen, being hidden from our physical senses, it is real and powerful. We all have blind spots in our personalities and behaviour that others can see yet we can't—it's to our benefit if we listen (and deal as appropriate) when others point these out. Just as a planted seed is hidden from sight while it grows and changes, so God's Kingdom is invisible to the natural eye but powerfully at work behind the scenes preparing for a harvest (Mt 13:33; Gal 5:9). Although there are indicators, the actual timing of the rapture when true believers are taken to heaven is unknown to humanity (Mt 24:36).

Reflection and Application:

Am I trying to hide any sin from God? Remember that nothing is hidden from Him (Heb 4:13).

Have I confessed my sins and brought them into the light to receive forgiveness (1 Jn 1:9)?

Do I trust God as my hiding place and refuge when I face trouble or danger?

Am I hiding God's Word in my heart to guard against sin and guide my daily life?