Where Are You?

Scripture
Genesis 3:8–9
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?”

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Devotional

One of the things that I face in Pastoral ministry with folks are the people who have left the church and don’t realize first of all that they are missed and how to come back. Thoughts and ideas keep them away. The same is true in relationship with people and with God. Separation becomes long and distracts us to other places and state of beings that we really do not prosper and grow in.

I live a very busy and full life. Some of the things that have drawn me in different directions and distracted me from a holy and righteous purpose have, at times, affected my relationship and walk with God. Sometimes it feels easier to hide rather than face certain situations head on.

Because my days are so full, my responsibilities often take me in many directions. I don’t always communicate very well with Gail about where I am or where the day has taken me. Eventually the phone rings with the familiar questions: “Where are you?” “What time will you be home?” And many times, very lovingly, “Are you OK?”

Recently I was listening to a podcast teaching from Genesis when a question was asked: “What is the first question God asked in the Bible?”

Interestingly enough, the first question God asked was simply this: “Where are you?”

This question comes after Adam and Eve realized their sinfulness because they had become distracted by the serpent, the one we know as Satan. Yet even before God asked His question, the serpent planted a seed of doubt when he asked Eve, “Did God really say…?”

That question still echoes today.

The evil one continues to whisper doubt into our lives: Did God really say that? Is the Bible really true? Does one choice really matter?

Adam and Eve responded the same way many of us do when we know we have made a mistake.

They hid.

We hide from our problems, our sins, and our shortcomings. Instead of following the guidance God has placed before us, we sometimes listen to the voices of the world. We sin, we distance ourselves from God, and we hide.

Yet even after their failure, God came looking for them. Though He already knew what had happened, the Lord still walked through the garden calling out:

“Where are you?”

That question still echoes today. It is not about being late for dinner or losing track of time. It is a question for the soul.

God still calls to His people, inviting us to step out from hiding and return to Him.

Maybe today is the day to answer that call.

Simply respond the way God longs to hear:

“Here I am.”

Before we pray today, I would ask you to ponder some questions and reflect upon your own life and where you are in your relationship with God:

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Reflect

1. In what areas of your life might you be hiding from God instead of drawing closer to Him?
2. What distractions or voices have caused you to question what God has clearly said?
3. What would it look like for you to answer God today by saying, “Here I am”?

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Prayer

Lord, You know every part of my life. You know the places where I have wandered, the distractions that have pulled me away, and the moments when I have tried to hide. Today I hear Your voice calling my name. Give me the courage to step out from hiding, to turn back toward You, and to walk faithfully in Your truth. Here I am, Lord. Amen.