“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance,” (Psalms 32:7 NIV).
When I was little, my brother had a fort in our backyard. Whenever we played outside I could always find him in his fort playing with his G.I. Joe or his Stretch Armstrong. He could play alone for hours in this makeshift hideout. His fort was his favorite hiding place.
Have you ever had one of those days when you hid from the world? A day when you simply wanted to stay home? A day when you kept the blinds closed and the curtains drawn? When you turned the phone ringer off and just hid from the world?
I admit I’ve been known to hide out for a day or two. Chronic illness demands days like this on my calendar, both planned and unexpected. These days are not just a luxury, but a necessity. Sometimes I must physically s-t-o-p! The pain from my illness can be excruciating and require bed rest. Weakness can make even walking a challenge and change any plans I may have made for that day. Hiding then becomes my only plan.
This particular type of hiding is refreshing. It’s renewing, reviving and invigorating. I spend the day in bed reading, praying, writing, listening to my favorite cds and enjoying my hideout. I cherish the days I get to stay in my comfy pajamas all day. I have no control over my need for days like this, but I certainly have absolute control over my attitude surrounding it.
I choose to be positive and look at my “hideout days” as my very own time with God. I look forward to them and actually visualize myself physically wrapped in His arms. HE is my hiding place. I can rest in His arms and He will protect me. Chronic illness is a constant struggle, but hiding away with God is the choice I’m gladly making today. Right now there is nowhere else I’d rather be than in my hiding place.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kristen Reyna is a creative dramatist and writer who lives with CIDP. Her passion is to relate to others through shared struggles and fill their hearts with refreshing hope and encouragement. Visit her at www.cidpandme.blogspot.com or check out her website at www.kristenreyna.com.
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