Genesis 3:9-"But the Lord God called to the man, 'Where are you?"

This passage of scripture was recorded after Adam and Eve had eaten the forbidden fruit. It was God's custom to walk and talk with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day. It was a time of fellowship and communion. It was a way for Adam and Eve to enjoy God's company on a daily basis.

On this particular day when God showed up for His daily time with them, something was different. Adam and Eve were not waiting on Him. They didn't show up to have their daily time with God. What happened? Why had things changed? Where were Adam and Eve? God showed up but they did not. 

The difference was Adam and Eve had disobeyed God's only command, "you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil." (Genesis 2:17) When God showed up, Adam and Eve were hiding. Why were they hiding? Because sin had caused them to be ashamed. Ashamed of their nakedness and disobedience. Ashamed because they believed the lie of the serpent instead of the truth of God's word. They hid because they had been exposed.

The good news is that God went looking for them. God had to have known where they were but in the question, "Where are you?," God wanted them to know He was pursuing them. God wanted them to know that He still desired a relationship with them. This is a vivid picture of how much God desires to be in fellowship with us.

The question is still the same for us today. God continues to ask us, Where are you?" Where are you in your relationship with Him? Where are you as it relates to sin? Where are you in your relationships with other? Where are you?

A little over 5 years ago I was in a hopital room suffering from a severe case of pneumonia. The pneumonia was the result of my having COVID. I came close to death after a procedure the doctors performed to try and find out what kind of infection was in my lungs. They needed to know the type of infection in order to prescribe the right antibiotic to treat it. I spent around 3 weeks in the hospital and another 2 weeks in rehab. 

It was during  this time while laying in my bed at the rehab facility that God asked me the question, "Terry, where are you?" You see for the previous 15 years I was hiding from the Lord. I had gone through a very difficult time and just withdrew from God and others. Oh, if you would look at me I seemed to be okay. I went to church every Sunday. Served as an usher, youth group leader and small group facilitator. I read my bible and acted like everything was great. But, in that rehab bed I realized I used these things to hide all my shame, guilt and anger towards myself, my wife, and yes even God. I was empty and thought hiding from God was the best thing for my life.

While lying in that bed one morning I started reading Psalms 23. When I came to verses 2-3 which says, "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul." It was at that moment that I realized the Lord had never left me. He had always been right there with me. Even when I thought I was hiding, God knew my hiding place. God let me know that He used my sickness to get me to lie down so I would have to look up. He knew the restoration of my soul would allow me to come out of hiding and into His wonderful presence. He longed for me to come out of hiding and get back to walking with Him in the cool of the day.

On this day I asked the Lord to renew my passion for His word and His people. I began reading my bible everyday. I began seeking Him and walking with Him on a daily basis. I continued serving in my church but with a different heart and attitude. I began having meaningful conversations with the people in my life. I became the man God had always longed for me to be. He truly restored my soul.

How about you? If God came to your hiding place and asked you the question, "Where are you?", what would your answer be? Are you dealing with shame, guilt, past failures, broken relationships, fear, anger, doubt or addiction? If so, come out of your hiding place and allow the lover of your soul to restore you into the man he longs for you to become.

Prayer-Dear Lord, today I hear your voice saying, "Where are you?" Today I come out of my hiding place and confess that I have sinned. I need you to restore my relationship with you and others. Forgive me for going my own way and trying to do life without you. Today I commit my life to you. Thank you for seeking after me. In Jesus' Name, Amen!