Genesis 3:8–11 (ESV): 8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” 11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?”
It’s never a good idea to hide from God when we fail. Not only because it’s impossible but also because He is our source of forgiveness. Why would you wanna run from Him?
Adam and Eve, after having sinned by eating the forbidden fruit, are now hiding from God. They know they have wronged Him and now think the best thing to do is stay in that place of guilt and shame. That place produces a nasty cycle of more sin which produces more guilt and more shame. God knows they have sinned and yet He seeks them out so they can be brought back into right standing with Him. Not so He can punish them.
Are you hiding yourself from God today? Is the guilt of your sin keeping you from being in fellowship with God and His people? Sin will always separate but Jesus brings people together. He is the reconciler. God is seeking you out today. All He wants is for us to turn away from our sin and turn to Him. Don’t get caught up in the cycle of more sin that produces more guilt and shame. Repent and receive the restoration and forgiveness Jesus died to give. Stop hiding and turn to the Lord! He is seeking you out even now.
Father we thank You for forgiveness and reconciliation. What a relief to know when we fail You still love us and are not mad at us. Let our hearts return to You by way of repentance. Keep us from hiding from You. May we be quick to repent and return to You we pray in Jesus name, amen!