Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Hiding is a learned behavior for many of us. It starts off as fun. I remember playing hide-and-seek with my siblings and friends. I was the kid who thought standing behind a tree was an excellent hiding spot, which meant I was going to be it sooner than anyone else. At some point, I learned to climb those trees but still got caught because the person only had to wait for me to come down. I eventually did figure out that the cornfield provided the best hiding spots.
As we grow older, hiding is often still part of life. Self-perception plays a role, but so do the projections others place on us. We camouflage our vulnerabilities, fears, desires, and truths for many reasons. However, none of those are because of God.
Genesis 3:8-9
8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. 9 Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”
Adam and Eve attempted to hide, but why? They weren’t surprised by God’s presence in the garden. It appeared to be a natural occurrence. But they wanted to hide in their mess.
We learn a lot about God’s character and compassion in this passage, though. God could’ve accused Adam and Eve of disobeying his word and betraying who they were in him. It would’ve pushed them away, so God chose to ask them questions instead, which brought them into the open.
As a parent, I try to get my kids to understand their circumstances instead of hiding within them. I have found the best way to bring them closer to revealing the truth is by asking questions rather than bringing down the iron fist of dad’s justice. I’ve learned that it makes future communication easier, and their honesty rises to the surface without much pull from me or my wife.
We have four children, and I’m happy to say three of them hide less than the other one, but we haven’t stopped asking the inviting questions. After all, I for one am guilty of hiding from my Father sometimes, but he continues to walk with me.
Questions:
Why do you hide from God? Have you noticed a change for the better when you’re honest with God?
Next Steps:
Join a Freedom Group or Celebrate Recovery. Text “Groups” to 419-419-0707 for more info.
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Prayer:
Dear God, I don’t know why I still try to hide the mess that you lovingly want to free me from. Help me find more comfort in trusting my daily walk with you. Help me to freely and effortlessly give you my troubles, hurts, and pain so that my love for you is honest and not selfish. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Philippians 2:13
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.