The Human Nature of Hiding

When I'm feeling guity, I often avoid God. I run away and hide while He's looking for me. 

Why is that?

Well, I haven't spent time with Him lately like I should. I haven't been praying or reading my Bible much, or listening to worship music all the time, cause that's what I "should" be doing, right? And let's not forget that little attitude problem...

Surely God must be angry with me, then. Or at least at little irritated. He'll probably want to scold me when I talk to Him next, so I'll nonchalantly avoid Him for a few days, as if He's a bitter friend or parent I have offended.

Why do we do that? Why do we assume that's what the heart of God must be like, some Great Guilt Trip or the aweful Punisher in the Sky?

A book I was reading last night said, "They served God in the image they had created -- not by His true image, but by their own standards"; and, "Their fear of God was shaped by their own erroneous image of [Him]".

We place onto God the characteristics that we have experienced, either through parents or other authority figures. It's only natural, of course; it's what humans do. But that doesn't make it correct -- or even Biblical.

James 4:8 says to "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." Doesn't sound like the Great Guilt trip to me, but even Adam, the first human in existence, hid from God when he knew something wrong. 

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.” (Genisis 3:9-10)

Why does it seem engrained in human nature to hide? It's like the concept that He might understand us (His creation), or want to listen to us, or even care about what we care about, is too far beyond our grasp. 

Psalm 116:2 says, "Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath."

1 Peter 5:7 - "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Psalm 55:22 - "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."

Psalm 91:4, 15-16 - "He will cover you with his feathers,and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 

'He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy himand show him my salvation.'"

Just to name a few.

(If you really want to know about God's care and protection, read all of Psalm 91.)

God doesn't expect us to act perfect all the time. He simply wants us to draw near to Him, spend time in His presence -- both when we feel perfect and when we don't (which is most of the time). 

Time in the presence of God is like time in the shower; it cleans you off, warms you up, clears your thoughts, and refreshes you for a new day.

So... Maybe it's best not to avoid the shower when I'm feeling dirty.

-Rach