Genesis 3:8-10 When they heard the sound of God strolling in the garden in the evening breeze, the Man and his Wife hid in the trees of the garden, hid from God. God called to the Man: “Where are you?” He said, “I heard you in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked. And I hid.” 

I think it was in matric when I told my mother I was going to stay overnight with my friend on their farm, and he told his mother he was coming to sleep over at our house in town. What we did instead was to go to my girlfriend’s house to watch videos and stay there for the night. Nothing bad happened. Everything was quiet and calm. 

We were completely blindsided: my friend’s mother showed up at church, carrying a cake intended as a thank-you to my mother for letting her son spend the night at our house. My mother handled the surprise perfectly, not giving anything away. I saw the interaction, immediately grabbed my bike, and took off to hide, overwhelmed by fear and shame. 

I had to come out of hiding later when I got too hungry. I was twice my mother’s size, and her arms were too short and thin to give me a hiding. But she called in big reinforcements. We had to kneel next to my bed. A long prayer followed, and as a result, I didn’t try to hide things from her again. 

This might be a funny story of my mother knowing where her strength lay. But that’s not really what this story is about. Despite my six-foot, clumsy frame, I was unable to face the small woman who was my mother regarding my offence. I was ashamed. I was angry with myself. I had damaged the trust between my mother and me, and I couldn’t look her in the eye when I went back (with an empty stomach). 

Adam and Eve thought they were going to get more. They were going to be smarter and be like God. That’s the lie the devil tells us, and we believe it. We do what he says, but the consequences are just the opposite: we hang our heads in shame and anger. 

Again, Adam and Eve’s foolish choice reminds us that we have the power to choose – for or against evil. When we choose wrongly, shame is almost always the reaction. Let’s guard ourselves with clear boundaries and honest habits, so that we don’t step over the line. 

Prayer
Father, I know my foolish choices are driving a wedge between me and You. Help me to come clean and change my way of life, so that I can come to You, curl up next to You, and know that I am always safe here … 

Questions
What might you be trying to hide from God or people right now?
What simple, honest step can defuse the anger and shame you feel toward yourself today?
What do you learn from Adam and Eve’s reaction, and how can you react differently when you feel guilty? 

Do this now
Be honest with God about something you may be trying to hide. He already knows about it, but He is waiting for you to place it in His hands.
Talk to someone today whom you may have disappointed or towards whom you feel guilty. Honesty restores trust.
Pray for a soft heart that chooses to do right rather than feel ashamed and angry afterwards.