The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
Proverbs 15:3, ESV
Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin, was the first king of Israel. When Samuel told him he had been chosen to be king, he responded, “Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then do you speak like this to me?” (1 Samuel 9:21, NKJV)
On the day of his coronation, Saul was nowhere to be found. This was an amazing accomplishment because the Bible tells us that he stood head and shoulders above the people (1 Samuel 9:2). How could such a tall man remain hidden in a crowd?
First Samuel 10:22 gives us the answer, “He is hiding among the baggage” (NLT). Bible commentators theorize that Saul had hidden among the baggage because he didn't feel worthy. He had been chosen to be king by God, but he still didn't feel qualified to do the work he had been called to do.
You and I also hide behind the baggage of our lives. We hide behind a perfectly presented image because we’re afraid that if people see the mess we are behind closed doors, they won’t want anything to do with us.
We hide behind our social media presence thinking if we only had enough likes or follows, we'd be good enough. We hide behind so many pieces of baggage we forget that God always sees us exactly as we are.
My friend, what are you hiding behind? Come out from behind the stuff and trust that God will be with you every step of the way.
Lord, I've been faced with my unworthiness and know that I can't do this task on my own. Remind me that I don't have to because You will never leave me nor forsake me. Hide me under the shadow of Your wings and give me the courage to face the challenges ahead. In Your name, I pray. Amen.
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Aminata Coote lives in Montego Bay, Jamaica