A MAN SHALL BE AS AN HIDING PLACE.

 

A man shall be as an hiding place.
Isaiah 32:2

 
GOD only provides what is necessary for us,
  but he provides all that is necessary.
 
The present world is like a bleak and cheerless desert,
  the climate is very changeable, and
  we are exposed to piercing, cutting winds.
 
Sometimes dangerous errors,
  sometimes deep afflictions,
  sometimes searching and soul-distressing trials,
  like violent winds,
  blow upon us and fill us with alarm and dread;
    at such time a hiding place is necessary.
 
Jesus, the man who is God's fellow;
  Jesus, who is one near to us, and
  can sympathize with us;
  Jesus, who has himself been exposed to all
   the bitter blast of the wilderness;
  Jesus, who can give rest and safety,
   is appointed to be our hiding place.
 
He will hide us from the wrath of God,
  the rage of hell, and
  the injurious effects of trials and troubles.
 
He is presented to us, and
  God commands us to enter into him,
  he is near to us, and
  contains all we need.
 
Beloved, do you see and feel your need for this hiding place?
 
Do you fear to enter it - to trust in it?
 
Fear not, it has received, sheltered, and
  preserved thousands such as you.
 
Are you in it?
 
If so, abide in it,
  no where else will you find such safety,
   or enjoy such repose.
 

A few more rolling suns at most,

Will land me on fair Canaan's coast;

There I shall sing the song of grace,

And see my glorious hiding place.