THE HIDING PLACE

MARCH 31

Psalm 64

Psalm 64:2, “Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, from the throng of evildoers.”

Anne Frank and her Jewish family lived in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam during World War II during a time of intense persecution. When Anne’s sister was sent to a labor camp, the family decided to go into hiding in the “Secret Annex” of her father’s business building. Non-Jewish friends provided food and supplies and kept their location secret.  The family survived through ongoing danger and threats, until they were betrayed, then discovered and arrested.  Deported to concentration camps, Anne and her sister did in Bergen-Belsen in 1945, just weeks before the camp’s liberation. 

As with Anne and family, David was surrounded by wicked folks who sought his death. So, David prayed for God’s protection, and that God would “hide (him) from the secret plots of the wicked” (Psalm 64:2).

The good news for the believer is that he has already been brought to the perfect hiding place in Christ: “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).  Positionally speaking, that means you’ve been brought, through Christ’s shed blood, into a secure and protected relationship with God.  Experientially speaking, trials have a way of reminding us of our need to run and remain in that place of safety, in Him.  

Having the Risen Christ as one’s hiding place, there is no need for fear: “Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”  With respect to sin, and all the ways we are threatened by it, there’s no better hiding place to be found than Jesus.

You are my hiding place
You always fill my heart
With the songs of deliverance
Whenever I’m afraid
I will trust in you
–Michael Ledner

Application Questions: Have you ever felt the need to be hidden away from some threat?  What makes for a good hiding place?  How do you find that in Jesus in an experiential way?  Thank Him for how He is even now working to hide and protect you.

Unknown's avatar

Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

Leave a comment