Growing up, my father brought me along to numerous campmeetings, where he usually served as Bible teacher. When I was young, I attended vacation Bible school, frequently the same material in three or four camps (much to the chagrin of the teaching staff of the later camps, as I was a know-it-all). Later I enjoyed attending the youth camps, where one of the favorite recreational activities was an elaborate version of Hide and Seek. We called it “Capture the Flag.” What enjoyable hours of strategizing, capturing opponents (or not so enjoyable-getting captured) and pillaging the opponents’ flag, which they had creatively hidden.

Sometimes I felt like God, in a similar way, implied that he had a plan for me, but I had to strategize to discover exactly what it was and where he had hidden it. Only then would I have any hope of living a life pleasing to him. I could not have been further from God’s loving intentions for me. God, as we see in 1 Chronicles 28:9, wants to be found, for we will find him if we seek him. God desires to share an intimate relationship with me, with all of us. 

Rather than Hide and Seek or Capture the Flag, my relationship is more typified by how I play with my young grandchildren. I announce, “I’m going to get you.” Off the children run — into the bedroom, living room or kitchen. When they find a corner, they hunker down and wait for the tickles of capture. God, too, desires me to desire for him to capture me. He wants my whole self: mind, body, heart, worship and service. In essence, the goal of God’s relationship with me is a deep and committed intimacy.

Heavenly Father, may I long to stay near you and be captured by your love for me and to share that love with others.

David E. Dean

Extended Scripture: 1 Chronicles 28-29