“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. But the Lord God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’ He answered, ‘I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.’”                                                                                                                  Genesis 3:8-10

Naked and afraid … that is how all of us enter this world and how Adam and Eve exited the Garden of Eden entering a whole new world – a cruel world very different from the garden paradise God created for their pleasure. By partaking of the one fruit they were told specifically to stay away from, the original man and woman became shockingly aware of their naked selves and were filled with fear of being discovered by their God, our God. 

In Genesis, we learn of the consequences for their actions. Adam and Eve were exiled from their safe haven to live a life knowing pain and anguish, a life that would not spare them of physical and emotional despair. 

Naked and afraid … I am fortunate to say that since birth I have not literally experienced this. However, there have been times in my life that I have felt the same vulnerability. Stripped bare by the comments of another, or by my own actions, scared of being discovered. I have entered a room and felt exposed as if everyone there could see my once hidden self. 

Have you experienced that sinking or sickening feeling? Afraid of being discovered?

That feeling created from social media posts, fake news, or good old-fashioned gossip spreading half-truths or even downright misinformation that can be personally damaging. The subject (or victim) becomes the topic of whispers, knowing looks, and repeated negative comments. Or how about that feeling created when something that is true and deeply personal is shared after a promised confidence? Again whispers, looks, and comments abound. Whether real or perceived, true or untrue when the buzz is about you it cuts to the core and creates that feeling of hopelessness or helplessness. 

Uncovered. Exposed. Stripped. Bare. 

Shocked. Fearful. Troubled. Anxious.

What is one to do in this situation? Hide like Adam and Eve? That is the natural inclination. Avoid the situation. Lay low until it blows over and the chatter turns to the next juicy story. Yes, that’s what we’d like to do. 

There is a better solution. Think of that other naked and afraid situation … a newborn. We are all born into this world crying and anxious until placed in the comforting arms of a mother. There we are cradled until settled and secure.

We have that option as adults too. Our Father God is always there with arms wide open. He is waiting to cover you with His love and cradle you, making you settled and safe. He will hold you as you face that difficult situation. 

Adam and Eve left the garden, but they didn’t leave God behind. There were consequences then, and we suffer consequences too. As we read in Genesis, God is with us too … to love us through our choices and in all circumstances.

You’ll notice in the scripture God looked for Adam and Eve. He didn’t abandon them. He knows our weaknesses, our secrets, our flaws. There is no need to hide. Trust in Him to be by your side through it all. 

Dear Lord,

When in despair, it is comforting to know you are there looking for me even when I am hiding from the world. Thank you for cradling me in your arms, covering and calming me when I am most vulnerable. 

Amen.