Isaiah 29:15 Woe to those who go to great depths
    to hide their plans from the Lord,
who do their work in darkness and think,
    “Who sees us? Who will know?”

People have acted like this from creation. Even Adam and Eve thought they could hide from God! Just yesterday I was reading an article about how the universe would be impossible if a wide variety of things were just the slightest bit different, yet some “scientists” posit absolutely bizarre theories to try to explain away the necessity of a Creator. We like the idea of God to rescue us out of tight spots, but we hate the idea of accountability! We can’t have it both ways. Science has progressed to the point that a Creator is inescapable, but the very people who make those discoveries act like the people described in this verse. I’m reminded of the people so famously caught on the “kiss cam” not long ago. Both of them lost their jobs and their families, when they thought they were operating in secret. Human stupidity and hubris know no bounds! It is when we let go of our pride, our desire to be in control, and turn to the One who made us that we discover the overwhelming love and grace that caused Him to do so. The first words of the Bible, in Genesis 1:1, are absolutely essential for our understanding of everything else: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” As I said, it is stupid hubris that tries to deny that.

I don’t think I ever doubted that God existed, because I was born and raised in a household of faith, but I have certainly acted at times like I didn’t believe it. I have come to be convinced that pride is at the foundation of every other sin, and I’ve had plenty of it. At this point in my life, pride is largely replaced with gratitude, and life is much better as a result. I still get defensive at times, which shows I still have plenty of room to grow, but I recognize the foolishness of that, and rejoice in the peace and joy of trusting in my Lord. After all, when He not only created everything, but then sent His Son to die for my sins, why would I not trust Him with absolutely everything? I don’t know how long He will keep me on this earth, or what He has for me to do in that interval, but I know without any doubt that His plans are far better than anything I could come up with, even if they are emotionally or physically painful to me in the moment. At this point I don’t have the “mental horsepower” to grasp it all, but as Paul realized, “Now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12) I need to be at peace with that.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You that I can address You, my Creator, as Father! The depth and breadth and height of Your grace and love are truly beyond human comprehension. (Ephesians 3:14-19) May I indeed walk in consistent response to all of that, doing Your will for Your pleasure and glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!