Where Unhealthy Fear Leads

“And he said, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.” (Genesis 3:10, CSB)

I walked into the house expecting to hear the sounds of three boys (ages 12, 10, and 8) and a little 3-year-old girl running to hug me and tell me all about their day. But when I walked into the house there was silence. It was odd, so I yelled out, “Liam, Levi, Lucas, EmJ – where are you?” As I turned the corner, my wife Britt was waiting for me with a look on her face. After 14 years of marriage, I knew this look was associated with something not good. “What happened?” I asked her. She replied, “The kids are scared and hiding from you. They were playing in the house, ran into your office, and accidently knocked down one of your picture frames…the one you got from Israel.”

You see, my kids knew they did something they weren’t supposed to (play in Dad’s office). And when something broke they hid, afraid of the consequences. My kids aren’t the first ones to do this. They are just following in the footsteps of their ancient grandparents, Adam and Eve.

The story of human sin separating us from God deals with fear and hiding. In Genesis 3:10, Adam says they hid because they heard God in the garden and were afraid because they were naked. Sin opened Adam and Eve’s eyes to realities they were never intended to be burdened with. The concept of “nakedness” and the shame that came with it drove our first parents into fearful hiding. In this first instance of fear instigated by sin, Adam and Eve’s focus was turned “inward” instead of being “Godward.” They drew deeper into themselves instead of being drawn into the embrace of the Father.

For Adam and Eve, the issue wasn’t necessarily the presence of fear; it was what influenced and directed that fear. In one sense, they were right to be in “fear” of God. But that fear, one of awe and reverence, should have led them straight to the feet of Yahweh in repentance and confession. Instead, their fear led them further away from God. Human fear leads to separation. It tempts us to run deeper into ourselves. But friend, there is a good God who loves us in the midst of our fears. He calls out to us, “Where are you?” And also calls us out of our fear and into His presence.

Take a moment today to reflect on what fears are tempting you to run deeper into yourself. How are those fears leading you to believe that you have to deal with this yourself? Now, remember that God is calling out to you. He longs to be with you. To provide a release to your fear with the power of His presence.