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
As we get an early sight of Advent, which will soon be upon us, we are entering a season of anticipation. As a child, I looked forward to Christmas with great excitement, but anticipation can also entertain our worst fears. Here Adam and Eve hide for fear of discovery by God. God’s profound question, “Where are you?” still resonates at some point in every human heart.
Adam and Eve, in what must have been the most wonderful of environments, creep away to hide among the trees in an attempt to evade the gaze of God. It is remarkable how the human mind, so creative and competent in many respects, assumes it can avoid God when engaged in human disobedience.
I meet many who fear God. Many others anticipate judgement yet fail to take any sensible remedial action. My mother and I were recently talking about her death which, given her age, will not, I imagine, be that far off. It was a healthy conversation and one in which she acknowledged that she didn’t know if God would accept her. I pointed out the confession of the thief crucified alongside Christ and the first entrant into glory. He did not take time worrying about his criminal past but appealed to God for mercy and acceptance, which was instantly given (see Luke 23:39-43).
There is little value in anticipating trouble when a simple appeal to Jesus will turn the tables in our favour.
QUESTION
Do you anticipate the worst rather than the best?
PRAYER
Creator God, you know me better than I know myself and nothing is hidden from your eyes. You know me at my worst, but love me and are quick to offer me forgiveness and a fresh start. Thank you!
Photo – Choristers at Westminster Abbey
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