Hiding from God

When I think of shame, I think of Adam and Eve hiding from God in their nakedness, their measly fig leaf coverings (Genesis 3:7b) unable to cover their sin.

As a child, I remember whenever I did something “wrong,” my mother would say, “Wait until your father gets home.” That waiting, that impending doom was a punishment in and of itself. Can you imagine, waiting for God to show up after doing the one thing He told you not to do?

When God does show up, what does Adam do? Does he admit his sin? Does he repent? No. And no.

Bible Verse of the Day

And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.”
Genesis 3:10 ESV

Commentary

I love the commentary that David Guzik shares about this interaction:

i. We all sin, but when we sin, we can still give glory to God by openly confessing without shifting the blame onto others (Joshua 7:19-20).
ii. There is often nothing you can do about yesterday’s sin (though in some cases you may be able to make restitution). Yet you can do what is right before God right now by confessing and repenting.

David Guzik – EnduringWord.com

I’m a big proponent of owning up when I mess up, especially to God. After all, He not only knows what I did (Psalm 139:7), my sin, but He knew I was going to do it before I was even born. There are times when I know I’m sinning but don’t stop it, and then repent afterward. An example of this that happened yesterday was speaking badly about someone who made me angry (Matthew 5:22). That whole scenario, consciously sinning, and then asking for and receiving grace–what a loving and merciful God we have!!!

Prayer

Dearest Father, we come before You today and ask that any of our brothers and sisters who are suffering in shame present themselves to You. Encourage them to repent and then help them let it go. Help them, help us, to take everything to You, Lord, for You are so full of love and mercy for all of us. By Your grace, allow our repentance to become a testimony that brings You all of the glory.
Father, we pray that talks between Ukraine and Russia are fruitful and that You will bring a resolution that leads to peace for the people of Ukraine. Please lift them up in Your love and glory, Lord. Give them hope and comfort. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.