In Genesis Chapter 3 after Adam and Eve ate the fruit and their eyes were opened, verse 8 says that they hid from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But why? My answer is that they hid because of the shame they felt.
Before sin, they experienced a very close and open relationship with the Lord. He communicated with them freely and they lived in His presence free of shame and guilt with nothing to hide. After sin, it was never the same, as their close relationship with Him was broken.
Think of how Adam and Eve must have felt knowing that they sinned against God. I can imagine they felt as though they couldn’t face Him again. They feared rejection and felt condemned. Perhaps, they thought that God was disappointed in them. They were probably saying to themselves, “Why go back to Him? He would never forgive us!”
Can you relate? I know I can.
The heaviest burdens I have ever had to carry as a woman is the feeling of guilt and shame. Many of you know the weight of guilt and shame. How often have you done something that you were ashamed of that led to being overwhelmed with guilt for days, weeks or even years?
For years I hid in guilt and shame because of my weaknesses and the devil didn’t make it any easier for me! His condemning voice tortured me day in and day out. Because of this, one thing I feared the most was praying. I didn’t pray because I knew that facing God meant dealing with those weaknesses. But here’s the thing, you can try to run from God as long as you want. Just know that every road leads right back to Him. You can’t outrun Him.
I remember one particular day God confronted me, and that was it. All He said was,
“Come out of hiding. Deep down I know you want to do what’s right. Deep down I know you want to do what’s pleasing in my sight, so come out of hiding. Surrender to me, you are not as strong as you thought you were. You can do nothing without me.” He said, “My child, come out of hiding. I miss you. Would you just say yes again? Would you take my hand again? Come out of hiding. I will never leave you. I will teach you my ways. I will walk with you. Just trust me.”
Those gentle words that God spoke to me opened up my heart again. He began to free me from the guilt and shame that I was hiding in for the longest while. Every day He reminds me that my slate has been wiped clean and it remains clean because of His beautiful and undeserving sacrifice.
Can you relate? Are you hiding in guilt and shame because of your weaknesses? If so, I believe God is saying,
“Come out of hiding, I long to see you. I want you to draw near to me, not away from me. I know that it’s in your heart to finish the race with Me. Together we both can make that longing you feel a reality. Just say yes again. There’s no condemnation in my voice. I wait with arms open wide, ready to put a robe on your back and a ring on your finger. Don’t hideaway. I want to free you from that guilt and shame that you feel. Come away with me for a while; come away from all that hiding and running.”
Meditation
While you spend some time with God today, reflect on these scriptures and pray into them.
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Angelisa is a Jesus enthusiast, Worship leader & Christian youth leader. She considers herself to be the old-fashioned type of girl who loves spicy food and belly bottom laughter. Among her passions are singing, working with children, and encouraging others.