Hiding From God

There are many humorous places in Scripture; one of the places is found in Genesis 3.  Remember when Adam and Eve ate from the “forbidden tree” and then hid from God when He showed up?  When God asked Adam why he was hiding, Adam’s answered, “I was naked” (Genesis 3:10).

I find his answer hilarious:  Adam and Eve had always been naked, and even in the Presence of God.  But this time when God greets them, it’s as if they were confessing their crime even before they had been accused.  It reminds me of children who have disobeyed their parents and when their parents come home, without so much of a “Hi, Mom!” or “Hi, Dad!” the children exclaims, “I didn’t do it—”

However, my amusement turns somber when I remember that nothing is hidden from the eyes of God (Hebrews 4:13).  I am also reminded that when we don’t own our sins, life will be sucked out of us (Psalms 32:3-4).  It’s a natural consequence of our lives when we despise the Word of the LORD (II Samuel 12:9).

The Good News is that we don’t have to cover up our sins before God, men, and ourselves.  We can live a transparent, yet vibrant, exuberant, and abundant life.  Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).  How can we experience this liberation?  Jesus tells us, “If you continue in My Word. . .” (John 8:31-41). 

I hear Scripture urging us, don’t hide from God, be persistent to remain in His Presence, and we’ll be at peace with God (Hebrews 11:6).