Happy In Hiddenness

1 Samuel 16:1-13

v.4 – It was quite a shock to the Bethlehem elders that Samuel came to their town. They assumed something was wrong.

v.6-7 – Even Samuel was enamored with Jesse’s oldest son Eliab. But God wasn’t impressed. He was looking at hidden traits, not outward superficial data.

David wasn’t even an option. He was out in the fields tending sheep and goats – a low-level job. Example of my Ray’s Food Place job in high school. Stocking shelves in the back room at minimum wage ($3.85/hr)

Many of you are tending sheep & goats in this season. You’re living the hidden life and quietly honing your rock-slinging skills, practicing the harp, stringing words together, wondering if they’re even going to see the light of day.

Here are a few people who can relate: Joseph waiting 13 years from the time he was sold into slavery to getting his call to serve in the Palace of Pharaoh. Moses tending sheep for 40 years before encountering God in the burning bush, Jesus and his hidden years of serving in the family carpentry business between age 12 and 30.

Karate Kid – Daniel learning the mundane, seemingly pointless tasks from Mr. Miyagi.

Runners toiling away in the winter putting in miles in hiddenness. It was always interesting to find out who had been putting in the work when some of the Spring races began.

David was cultivating his gifts in hiddenness. He had no idea what the Lord would do in his life and the positions he would be called to. He was most likely 14 or 15 years old when he was anointed by Samuel to be king in the presence of his father and older brothers.

But guess where he went right after being anointed? Back to the fields, tending sheep and goats. How difficult would that be for us?

It would be at least 15 years before he took the throne at age 30. In those years, David was in the school of trials, turmoil, and testing.

Many of us want the throne without the trials and testing. But it’s in these hidden years that the Lord does His best work is us.

Is God enough for us? We see that David was known as a man after God’s own heart. I believe he was enjoying and cultivating that heart after God during his hidden years…even before being anointed as Israel’s future king.

If God sees fit, He will anoint us and prepare us for the doors He’s open at the perfect time.

Our prayer closets are the ultimate hidden place where victories are cultivated and won.

“But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:6 NLT

Rather than making our destination (i.e. published books) the idol, we can be happy in hiddenness, knowing our Father is growing and maturing us during this season. May we also be men and women after God’s own heart, whether we’re hidden or thrusted into the spotlight.

Resources:

If you're ready to take a step of faith and finally finish your book we have a few ways we can help you. 

1. Free Writing Week Challenge: Create a Writing Habit in 15-Minutes a Day

Even if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in procrastination, sitting down to write for just 15 minutes a day is the best way to finally reach your writing goals. Most writers think they need hours of uninterrupted time to make progress in their writing. However, in this free challenge, we will show you how much you can accomplish in just 15 minutes of focused writing.

Click here to create a consistent writing habit this week.

2. Book Writing Lab Workshop - Map Out Your Book in Just 90 Minutes

If over the last year you've struggled to get your book written, this workshop is for you. Choose your book topic, write an outline, and create a writing plan in just 90-minutes! Finally feel confident that you will actually finish your book.

Get started now for just $27

3. Want More Support? Join Christian Book Academy

Most writers stay stuck and never finish their first draft. Inside Christian Book Academy, we help you partner with God to write your book so you can become a published author. Finally ditch your self-doubt and take a step of faith so you can finish your book.

Join Christian Book Academy (coupon code PODCAST)

Get 50% off your first month by using the coupon code PODCAST at checkout.