How many of us remember playing hide and seek? The thrill of finding the perfect hiding spot, having the one searching passing right next to you, and not finding you. A great game, but not one to pattern the faith life on.

Messiah Yeshua/Jesus said, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Lk. 19:10). Speaking of the tax-collector Zacchaeus, a son of Abraham, Yeshua found him, saved him, and restored him (Lk. 19:8-10).

From that moment onward Zacchaeus would no longer be lost, or separated; but found.

All too often faithful followers of Messiah speak as if they are still searching for a God who is hiding from them. Allow me to be clear, God the Father did not send His Son to save you, sending the Holy Spirit as the Comforter and Helper, in order to hide from you. You are not presently involved in a cosmic game of hide and seek.

The author of Hebrews writes of Jesus that He is the “same yesterday, today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8). Yeshua sought you, called you by name when He found you, and now, by His work of redemption, you belong to Him.

Just five verses earlier in Hebrews 13, the author reminds his audience of a promise given to Israel, “For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deut. 31:6).

We tend to go into “seek” mode when troubles find us. If thus and such has happened, or is happening, surely God is hiding from me; an emotional response to a physical reality pressing in.

The answer, however, never changes. He is there. He hasn’t left. That’s the promise of His Word, and the promise of the ever-present Word made flesh, Yeshua.

Rather than seek Him, as if you have been separated, turn to Him; as Yeshua said,

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30).

Two things are being expressed when Yeshua says, “all you who labor and are heavy laden.” First, all “who labor,” feel fatigued from the struggles of life, you are wrestling and you are worn out, this is active. Second, “are heavy laden,” pressed down by circumstances you cannot do anything about, this is passive. What is the promise?

Yeshua promises an inner rest from the emotional struggle, leading to a refreshing of soul that transfers the weight of life’s circumstance – both the struggle and the burden – to Him.

He’s not hiding, waiting for you to better handle the pressures of life before He gives you rest. He is in the struggle saying, “Would you let me handle this!” Watch Him, learn from Him, and see how He carries the enormity of humanity’s burdens, and places only His victory on us.

He found you, saved you, restored you, and He will take care of of you.

Be well. Shalom.