Hide and Seek
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. Then the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?”
Genesis 3:8-9 (NLT)
When you were little, do you remember playing the game of hide-and-seek? I used to love playing that game, even though, let’s be honest, kids aren’t always the best at it. My kids wanted to play the other day. Selah was hiding behind a curtain, and her feet were sticking out. I spotted her in the first few seconds of looking but pretended I couldn’t find her. Do you realize that hide-and-seek isn’t a game you outgrow, spiritually speaking? When we sin, most of us try to hide from God, or we think let’s give it some time. We almost try to downplay our sins by not seeking or drawing near to God, or we distance ourselves from Him. But here’s the real problem: we’re bad at hide-and-seek. When God calls out to Adam, “Where are you?” He knew exactly where he was. God doesn’t miss anything. He sees all, and He knows all. He can’t grow or learn, which means we can’t slip things past Him. Yet, like children, we still try to hide even though He clearly sees us hiding behind busyness, distractions, distance and guilt. Those things were never meant to cover God’s love and grace!
Do you remember what Adam and Eve tried to do after they sinned? They grabbed some fig leaves and tried to cover and hide themselves. The problem is that fig leaves weren’t a good solution. So, the Bible says God, in His kindness, clothed Adam and Eve. Salvation is what theologians call the great exchange. We bring our sin and give it to Jesus, while He gives us His righteousness and takes our sin. The first sin was lying and hiding. It still happens all the time today. But today is the day to step into the light. God sees you, and He forgives you. Don’t try to cover up your shame. Let God meet you and clothe you with His love. He is faithful to do it.
Application: Don’t run and hide from God. Instead, let Him clothe you with His mercy today.
Prayer: Thank God that we don’t have to hide. Whatever you’re holding onto, cast it to Him and trust Him! He is faithful. Ask for His help!
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?