Hidden With Him
Just as tea quietly infuses water, God’s hidden life within us transforms us from the inside out.
Devotional Credit: eManna (Living the Hidden Life of Our Father, Part 2) by Witness Lee
Photo Credit: Unsplash
In today’s reading, Witness Lee points us to a deep truth about the hiddenness of God. Throughout the universe, we can see His works, yet we do not see Him. He remains secret even as He acts in power and love. Lee reminds us that God’s life has this hidden nature, and those who live by His life will often go unseen by the world. While our human nature craves applause and recognition, God’s life in us does not display itself for show. When we love others by His love, it is not to make a spectacle; it is quietly faithful.
Lee contrasts this hidden life with hypocrisy. A hypocrite has an outward show with no inward reality, a public display without substance. This is completely opposite to God’s nature. His life is rich within, yet He reveals only a little. Those who live by this divine life may pray often, give generously, and fast quietly, yet their actions are not broadcast to the world. They have a great deal within them, but very little is manifested. This is the way of the kingdom people in doing righteous deeds: hiddenness with the Father in heaven.
As we ponder this message, we see how different it is from our natural tendencies. We often desire to be noticed, to ensure others recognize our commitment. However, the life of Jesus within us invites us to trust Him and remain hidden. Real love does not demand an audience. True righteousness does not need to be advertised. In fact, the more we abide in Him, the more our deeds become an expression of His life rather than a performance for others.
Today’s devotional invites us to embrace this quiet way. Our union with Jesus means we can live without seeking applause. We can pray in secret, give without fanfare, and trust that our Father sees and delights in what is hidden. Witness Lee’s words gently guide us back to the heart of the gospel: a life lived before God rather than before men, resting in His hidden, faithful presence.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My beloved child, do not be troubled when others do not see what I am doing in you. My way is often unseen, like the wind that moves quietly yet powerfully. When you live by My life, you do not need to make a show of your righteousness. I see you. I delight in you. Your Father who is in secret rewards you openly in ways you could never imagine.
Your old self desires recognition, but I invite you to rest in My hiddenness. When you pray, your prayers rise like incense before Me. When you give, your generosity is a fragrance that I alone perceive. When you fast, your hunger draws you nearer to Me, and that is enough. The life of abiding in Jesus is a life that trusts Me to see and to know, not to be applauded by men.
You are not empty; you are filled with My fullness. You are not seeking approval; you already have Mine through Jesus. You need not display yourself, for you are hidden with Him in Me. Let your deeds flow from love, not from the need to be noticed. Let your heart rest in the quiet confidence that I am at work within you.
Scripture References: Matthew 6:1, Isaiah 45:15, Matthew 6:3-4, Matthew 6:6, Matthew 6:17-18, Colossians 3:3, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:4, 1 Corinthians 13:4-5, John 15:4-5, Ephesians 3:16-19.
Real-Life Analogy
Consider a tea bag dropped into a clear cup of hot water. At first, it seems like nothing is happening. But slowly, the water begins to change color as the tea infuses, and its flavor deepens even though the bag remains submerged and unseen. The transformation is happening quietly, hidden beneath the surface, yet the effect becomes evident in the cup’s warmth and aroma.
As I go through my day, I can remember that God’s life in me works the same way. I might feel unseen and my acts of love unnoticed by people, but the Father sees and rejoices. When I sit down with a friend, offer help to someone in need, or spend time alone in prayer, I can pause and trust the indwelling Holy Spirit to work through me. “Lord, I trust You to live Your life in me and through me right now,” I whisper in my heart. Just as the tea infuses the water, His love quietly infuses my actions.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, I thank You that Your life in me is enough. I rejoice that I do not need to draw attention to myself, for You see and You know. I praise You that Jesus has made me alive, hidden with Him in You, and that in this hiddenness I find freedom. Thank You that I can love, give, serve, and pray without the need for applause, resting in Your quiet delight. I trust You to continue Your unseen work in me today, confident that Your hidden life will bear fruit in Your time.