The Psychology of Hide-and-Seek

One of the most profound statements of divine intention is found in Paul’s Mars Hill sermon where he explains to the Greek god-seekers: God’s purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us (Acts 17:27). It seems that God positions Himself in a celestial game, respectfully, of “hide-and-seek.”

Imagine how we would frustrate our children if, while playing hide-and-seek, we were to leave the house and never return. “How cruel,” you say? But in the real world, some parents do this, leaving their families for a lover or an adventure, or just because they don’t want to be a parent anymore. For all practical purposes, they remain hidden from their youngsters’ eyes, surfacing years later, to be greeted with that long-unanswered question, “Where were you?”

I am no anthropologist, but I can imagine that “hide-and-seek” is a cross-cultural phenomenon. Why?—because it is so deeply psychological. Playing hide-and-seek teaches children that their parents will always be there for them; and though Daddy or Mommy are unseen for a moment, they are there; they will be found. Our heavenly Father says, "I love you who love me and diligently seek me. And when you search for Me with all your heart, I will be found by you, and, moreover, I will never leave or abandon you (Prov. 8:17: Jer. 29:13-14; Heb 13:5).