Guilt and shame cause us to want to hide. Just as Adam and Eve hid in the Garden of Eden after they had sinned. It’s not easy to come clean and own up to your sins, and allow others to see your shortcomings.

Some people hide behind excuses. They blame others for their own failures. Some compare themselves to others and hide behind the fact that they aren’t as bad as so and so. Many hide behind busyness. If you stay busy enough you hide from others and escape being alone with yourself, and having to deal with your internal struggles. Others actually hide in the midst of their sin, either justifying it or blatantly acknowledging that they won’t be told what to do or how to live.

Many people hide out in the open where they can be seen but not truly revealed. They hope no one will notice what lurks behind their shades. Their marriage, kids, job, and relationships are great. They are doing just fine. Even in church, many create an image and give the impression of devotion to God and their faith, but they keep relationships shallow and don’t let anyone get too close.

Just as God sought Adam and Eve in the Garden. He seeks to find us. He wants to bring healing and abundant life. God called out to Adam, not in a voice of disapproval or disdain, but to draw him out. When Adam answered, God made clothing for Adam and Eve to cover their shame. God sent Jesus came to cover our shame. Through his blood shed on the cross we can be forgiven and live in freedom, in joy, and without condemnation.

Scripture says nothing is hidden from God. After all, he made you and the garden you live in. There is nowhere that God doesn’t see, nothing he doesn’t know, nothing that is hidden. He won’t drag you out of hiding, but he will continue to call you from whatever is causing you to hide. He wants to provide healing and bring you back to himself.

Christ-follower, you may not be hiding from a secret sin, unrevealed addiction or painful past; however, you may be hiding from what God is calling you to do. He may be calling you to serve, to lead, to give, to sacrifice. Whatever it is is, if God is calling, there’s no place to hide, and no place to find peace and fulfillment except in obedience to him.

Scriptures – Genesis 2:25 (NRSV); Genesis 2:16-17, Genesis 3:1-10 (NIV); Romans 5:12 (ERV); Hebrews 4:13 (NLT)

Verses – And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed. (Ge 2:25) Sin came into the world because of what one man did. And with sin came death. So, this is why all people must die—because all people have sinned. (Ro 5:12) Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. (Ge 3:8) But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” (Ge 3:9) Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. (He 4:13)

Questions – Do you act the same around friends, co-workers and family? Do you use the same language and tell the same jokes and stories? If not, explain. Are your values and morals the same at church as they are around friends, co-workers and family? Do you respect yourself for who you are in private as well as who you are in public? Is there anything you try to hide or embellish about your character? How is a person affected when they live a life that hides a secret sin?

Prayer – Dear God, help me to acknowledge my sins, failures, and pain to you, and to openly live a life free from guilt and shame. Thank you for your forgiveness that is always free and available. Thank you for calling me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.