Text: Psalm 32:7
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Notice some things we need a hiding place from:
From Sin and Satan
One of the most pervasive and destructive forces in our lives is sin, which often comes hand-in-hand with the influence of Satan. Luke 13:10-13 provides a vivid illustration of this with the story of a woman who was bound by Satan for eighteen years. Jesus freed her from her affliction, showing His power to liberate us from the bondage of sin. Similarly, Samson, a man of great physical strength, was no match for the deceit and power of sin and Satan. His downfall came because he underestimated the spiritual battle he was in. Just as Jesus delivered the woman from Satan’s hold, He offers us a hiding place from the grip of sin and the enemy’s schemes. Charles Spurgeon once said, “We need not go into sin to find a hiding place from Satan but run into Christ to find a shelter from sin and Satan both.”
In our daily lives, we encounter temptations and spiritual battles that challenge our faith and integrity. Psalm 32:7 reminds us that God Himself is our hiding place, offering protection and deliverance from these spiritual assaults. When we turn to God, acknowledging our weakness and seeking His strength, we find a refuge that no power of darkness can penetrate. As believers, we are not immune to the struggles against sin and Satan, but we have a powerful ally in God who surrounds us with His protection and deliverance. For those seeking to know more about God, this promise of a divine refuge offers hope and assurance that there is a place of safety and peace amidst the spiritual turmoil of life.
From Public Opinion
Public opinion can be a formidable force, shaping our actions and decisions more than we might care to admit. Proverbs 29:25 warns, “The fear of man bringeth a snare.” This was tragically evident in the life of King Saul, who allowed his fear of people’s opinions to lead him astray, ultimately costing him his throne and his peace. Similarly, Pontius Pilate let public opinion dictate his decision to condemn Jesus, despite knowing His innocence. Pilate’s capitulation to the crowd’s demands destroyed his integrity and left a stain on his conscience that he could not erase.
In Psalm 32:7, we are reminded that God is our hiding place from the tyranny of public opinion. When we seek God’s approval above all else, we find freedom from the snare of trying to please everyone. This is a message both for believers and seekers: true peace and security come from living in alignment with God’s will, not from the fluctuating opinions of others. Matthew Henry aptly noted, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. When we seek to please God, we find a refuge from the stormy blasts of human judgment.” In a world where public opinion often sways our decisions, finding our identity and security in Christ offers a liberating alternative. God’s steadfast love and truth provide a sure foundation, shielding us from the fickle and often harsh judgments of society.
From the Power of Doubt
Doubt is one of Satan’s greatest weapons, a tool he uses to undermine our faith and erode our confidence in God’s promises. David himself experienced this when he cried out, “Any day I will perish at the hand of Saul” (1 Samuel 27:1). Despite God’s repeated assurances and past deliverances, David’s fear and doubt clouded his judgment. Yet, in Psalm 32:7, we find a powerful antidote to doubt: God as our hiding place. When doubts assail us, we can seek refuge in God’s unwavering faithfulness and His unchanging promises.
This assurance is crucial for both believers and seekers. Doubt can be a significant obstacle in our spiritual journey, causing us to question God’s presence and purpose in our lives. By making God our hiding place, we affirm our trust in His character and His word. As A.W. Tozer wrote, “Faith is the gaze of a soul upon a saving God.” Turning our gaze to God, we find strength to overcome doubt and to stand firm in our faith. The promise of protection and deliverance in Psalm 32:7 reassures us that even in our moments of uncertainty, God is with us, offering shelter and hope.
From a Guilty Conscience
The weight of a guilty conscience can be unbearable, leading to inner turmoil and distress. Cain, after murdering his brother Abel, lamented, “My punishment is greater than I can bear” (Genesis 4:13). Guilt and shame can trap us in a cycle of regret and self-condemnation, but Psalm 32:7 offers a hiding place from this oppressive burden. When we turn to God, confessing our sins and seeking His forgiveness, He lifts the weight of guilt from our hearts and covers us with His grace.
For Christians and seekers alike, understanding God’s forgiveness is transformative. It allows us to experience true freedom and peace, knowing that our sins are forgiven, and our consciences cleansed. As 1 John 1:9 assures us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This promise is a refuge for those burdened by guilt, offering a path to restoration and renewed fellowship with God. Embracing this truth enables us to move forward without the paralyzing effects of a guilty conscience, secure in the knowledge of God’s unfailing love and mercy.
From the Power of Discouragement
Discouragement is a powerful tool of Satan, one that can sap our strength and diminish our hope. Elijah, despite his victories, became so discouraged that he prayed to die (1 Kings 19:4). This story resonates with many of us who have faced moments of discouragement. Yet, Psalm 32:7 reminds us that God is our hiding place, a source of comfort and strength in times of despair. When we feel overwhelmed by discouragement, we can seek refuge in God, who renews our spirits and restores our hope.
This assurance is vital for those struggling with discouragement, whether they are long-time believers or seekers exploring faith. The knowledge that God offers a safe haven from the storms of discouragement can be a lifeline, reminding us that we are never alone. As Isaiah 40:31 promises, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Turning to God in our moments of discouragement allows us to draw from His inexhaustible strength and to find hope in His enduring presence.
From the Fear of Death
The fear of death is a universal human experience, one that can provoke anxiety and dread. Yet, Psalm 23:4 provides a assurance: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” This echoes the promise of Psalm 32:7, where God is our hiding place, offering protection even in the face of death. For Christians, the resurrection of Jesus Christ transforms the fear of death into a passage to eternal life. For seekers, this promise invites exploration into the hope and assurance found in Christ.
Understanding this truth can bring immense comfort and peace. As Paul wrote in Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” This perspective reframes our understanding of death, not as an end, but as a transition into eternal communion with God. Embracing this truth allows us to face death without fear, confident in the hope of resurrection and eternal life. God’s promise of being our hiding place assures us of His presence and protection, even in the valley of the shadow of death.
From the Terror of the Judgment
The prospect of standing before God in judgment can be terrifying. Revelation 20:12 describes a scene where “the small and the great shall stand before God” and every work shall be brought into judgment. However, Psalm 32:7 offers a refuge from the terror of judgment. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are assured of His righteousness covering us, freeing us from condemnation. This assurance is central to the Christian faith and a compelling invitation to those seeking God’s grace.
Understanding God’s mercy and justice can alleviate the fear of judgment. As Romans 8:1 declares, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This promise provides a hiding place from the terror of judgment, assuring us that through Christ, we are forgiven and justified. Embracing this truth allows us to approach God with confidence, knowing that His grace covers us and that we stand secure in His love. For seekers, this invitation to experience God’s grace and mercy offers a hope and assurance that transcends the fear of judgment.
Psalm 32:7 encapsulates the truth that God is our hiding place, offering protection and deliverance from the myriad storms of life. Whether we face the perils of sin, the pressure of public opinion, the pangs of a guilty conscience, or the fear of death and judgment, God’s promise remains steadfast. He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. As we turn to Him, we find a shelter that shields us from every storm, assuring us of His unfailing love and faithfulness. For both believers and seekers, this promise invites us into a deeper, more trusting relationship with God, our eternal hiding place.
Intentional Faith 