Adam and Eve hid from God; have you?

Recall the days of your childhood when the world seemed simple, and the consequences of our actions were plate-breaking or wall-scribbling at worst. Picture yourself in those moments when, upon committing a misdeed, the anticipation of your parents' disapproval led you to hastily seek refuge in the sanctuary of your room, as if its walls could shield you from the impending scolding.

Just like you, Adam and Eve played a similar game of hide and seek with God. But why do Christians still find themselves ducking and hiding? In this article, we will explore the age-old instinct to hide from God, uncovering why this tendency persists among believers today.

Adam and Eve hiding from God

In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve made a significant mistake by eating the fruit from the forbidden tree, an action expressly prohibited by God. Recognizing their disobedience, they felt the weight of guilt and shame and decided to hide from God. Their attempt at concealment, however, was in vain, as God, in His omniscience, discovered their whereabouts.

When God confronted them about their actions, Adam and Eve did not take responsibility but instead engaged in a pattern of blame-shifting. Adam pointed to Eve as the one who gave him the fruit, and Eve, in turn, accused the serpent of deceiving her. This avoidance of accountability showcased the human tendency to evade guilt when faced with wrongdoing.

As a result of their disobedience, God pronounced consequences. For Eve, it meant increased pain in childbirth, and for Adam, it involved toil and hardship in his work. These penalties were not only immediate but also had far-reaching implications for future generations. The act of hiding, the failure to admit fault, and the subsequent blame game set the stage for the enduring consequences that shaped the human experience outside the paradise of the Garden of Eden.

Why do we hide from God?

In a game of hide and seek, we hide because there’s a consequence when the tagger catches us. However, in life and faith, there are much deeper reasons than that. Here are some of them.

We do not want to repent.

In your journey of faith, there may be moments when you knowingly engage in actions or make choices that go against God's teachings. The prospect of repentance, admitting these mistakes, and seeking forgiveness can be daunting. It requires humility and a willingness to acknowledge wrongdoing. Instead of facing this process, some Christians may hide from God, avoiding the confrontation that repentance demands.

We avoid those who can “see through us”

In your spiritual journey, there might be a sense of discomfort or vulnerability when it comes to being transparent with God. This discomfort often arises from the awareness that God, in His omniscience, sees through the facade we may present to others. Knowing that God discerns the true intentions of our hearts and the depths of our struggles, there may be a temptation to avoid His presence.

We feel ashamed

Feeling ashamed often stems from the awareness that you have fallen short of the standards set by your faith. This emotional burden creates a hesitancy to approach God, as the shame associated with your actions becomes a barrier. Instead of seeking solace in God's presence, there may be a tendency to withdraw.

We fear the consequences

The fear of consequences can be twofold. First, there is the concern about divine judgment – the worry that God will mete out punishment for the perceived transgressions. This fear can create a reluctance to approach God, as the prospect of facing consequences becomes a daunting barrier.

Second, there may be a fear of earthly consequences, such as judgment or condemnation from fellow believers or the wider community. This apprehension can lead to a desire to hide from God, as the fear of societal repercussions adds another layer of complexity to the internal struggle.

We do not realize we are righteous in Him

“The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” (Psalm 34:19)

Failing to grasp this fundamental truth can lead to a distorted perception of one's standing with God. Instead of approaching God with the confidence of righteousness, there may be a tendency to hide due to a misplaced sense of unworthiness. Understanding and internalizing the message of Psalm 34:19 is crucial, as it can dismantle the barriers that hinder believers from openly seeking God's presence.

How does God find us?

God has a way of finding you even when you are hiding, and it stems from His omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence.

God's omnipotence means that no hiding place is truly out of His reach. His omniscience ensures He knows the intricacies of your heart and mind, understanding the reasons behind your desire to hide. Whether you are physically distant or emotionally withdrawn, God's awareness surpasses any attempt to remain concealed.

Moreover, God's omnipresence means He is everywhere, always present. There is no location or situation where He cannot reach you.

Remember that God is all-powerful – nothing is beyond His reach or control. His knowledge extends to every detail of your life, including your habits, thoughts, and even your location. No aspect of your past, present, or future escapes His awareness.

But even in your attempts to distance yourself, God remains by your side, ready to offer guidance, comfort, and understanding.

There is no need to hide

Although we may need to hide, there is no need to. Here are the reasons why.

Grace covers shame

Even when you fall short, God's grace is a constant presence, offering forgiveness and acceptance. You do not have to hide your imperfections, for His grace is there to redeem and restore. Understanding that grace covers shame allows you to approach God confidently, knowing that His love surpasses any feelings of unworthiness.

We have nothing to fear, even if we fall short of the glory of God

Knowing that falling short is a part of the human experience, God's response is not condemnation but an opportunity for reconciliation. You can approach Him openly, without the need for hiding, trusting that His grace will guide you through moments of imperfection. There's a reassurance that even when you falter, God's love remains steadfast, eliminating the need for fear and providing a foundation for an authentic and unguarded relationship.

We have the option to confess our sins

Choosing to confess your sins eliminates the need for hiding because it aligns with the core principles of the Christian faith – repentance and forgiveness. It is an active step toward accountability and a reminder that, in the Christian perspective, God's love is boundless, offering redemption to those who humbly seek it. So, there is no need to hide; confessing provides a pathway to restoration and a deeper connection with God.

Game of hide-and-seek

It is time to end the game of hide and seek with God. Much like Adam and Eve, who attempted to conceal their mistakes in the Garden of Eden, you might find yourself hiding when you fall short. However, unlike them, you have the option to confess your sins. Take a step back from the shadows of concealment and embrace the freedom of acknowledging your faults openly. God offers you the opportunity to reveal, not as a judgment but as a path to reconciliation. So, resist the inclination to hide and come clean about your shortcomings, knowing that God's mercy awaits those who sincerely seek it.

More from Crossmap:

How to escape to your Garden of Gethsemane