"Hide Away" by Ben Rector
Reflection
Life can be completely overwhelming sometimes. We know there is always going to be something occupying our mind, our work, and our time, and sometimes, life is just busy. We go through our day-to-day tasks, check off items on our running to-do list, and tackle whatever other issues arise that need to be dealt with. When problems come up, whether we expect them or not, we are told we’re strong and to work through them. Adaptability has been preached at us since we were old enough to understand. Phrases like “go with the flow” and “roll with the punches” have been mantras of mine since college. We know there are going to be bumps in the road of life like losing a job, getting into a fight with someone you love, or failing an important test. But we’re told that it’s all about how you deal with it, and if you get through the struggle, you’ll be stronger for it.
However, sometimes it’s not just one bump in the road or two; there are times where life feels like you’re driving down Meridian Street at the end of winter where it’s more pothole than road and your options are to either slow way down, pop a tire, or just turn around and go home. There are times when all of a sudden you find yourself dealing with personal health struggles, broken relationships, the death of a loved one, and problems at work all at the same time. You’re left wondering why God has dropped all of this in your lap. Instead of pushing through or working through one problem at a time, you wonder if it’s possible to just go home, hide under a blanket, and shut out the world for bit. Maybe, just maybe, when you get the strength and courage to come out from under the blanket all of the problems will have figured themselves out. One can hope, right?
Ben Rector’s words reminds me of that moment when hope feels out of reach and I’m just tired. So many times I’ve questioned why God has put me in the place I’m in and how he thinks I’m strong enough to handle it: “Come on, God, really? Another thing? Who do you think I am?” It’s during these times that God feels so far away. Under the weight of I’m carrying, I’m become desperate for a break from it all. I long for any sense of peace.
Sometimes all I can do under my blanket is pray the words found in the chorus: “lead me through another day and bring me peace.” During this Lenten season I hope you’re not in need of a blanket-hiding moment, but know that if you are you’re not alone. There were even times where Jesus needed time away to grieve, rest, or prepare for the next thing. Then he came back to his disciples and continued on down his path. I hope you find what can get you out from under that blanket and muster the courage to continue on. But until then, hide away and find rest.
Links
Lyrics
I got a mind full of questions,
And they just won't let me be.
I am weary from the restless
Heart inside of me.
I never care about believing
Til I see I've lost my way.
And then my troubles all around me,
And all that I can say
See me through another day.
Cause the devil's calling.
I need a place to hide away
From the storm.
When the water's rising,
When the sun don't shine.
I need a place to hide away,
And some peace tonight.
Found out life was complicated,
More gray than black and white.
Sometimes I want to follow Jesus,
But sometimes he's hard to find, yeah.
I never care about believing
Til I see I've lost my way.
And then my troubles all around me,
And all that I can say
Is see me through another day,
Cause the devil's calling.
I need a place to hide away
From the storm.
When the water's rising,
When the sun don't shine.
I need a place to hide away,
And some peace tonight
When the waters rise around me,
When my worry's all I see.
I called your name and you came and found me
Through the darkness I can see.
Would you lead me through another day?
Cause the devil's calling.
I need a place to hide away,
When the water's rising,
When the sun don't shine.
I need a place to hide away
And some peace tonight.
I need a place to hide away.
Could you bring me some peace tonight?
For Further Reflection
What have you been struggling with during this season of life? What has felt too much to bear?
Have you ever had a blanket-hiding moment? What got you out of it?
Read through Mark 6:30-32, Matthew 14:1-14, and Luke 22:39-44. Focus on why Jesus withdrew from others.
Meditate while listening to Pray for Peace by Reba McEntire.