But God, in the Garden
Genesis 3:9
But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”
God Saw
God (Yahweh) knew what had happened – he saw.
- He saw Eve eat from the tree.
- He saw Satan tempting.
- He saw the astonishment of their new awareness of nakedness.
- He saw the covering and hiding.
Man’s Response
God’s created children fell and sinned. What would He do? According to the man’s view, “He will surely die.” One can understand Adam’s response to attempt to hide. God “called.” God lovingly came down and pursued them with a question, “Where are you?”
God’s Response
We must consider what God did. He came to his children and wanted a conversation. He was already in the restoration mindset. Since God knew what happened, this seemed like a strange question. The question was more for Adam and Eve to ask themselves a question: Where are we? This is not a question about a physical location. It is meant to be a question about their relationship with God.
Adam and Eve were in a state of separation and death due to sin. Yet look at God’s response. He pursued them and wanted a conversation with them to make things right. Adam’s response was not a location but with the state of his heart. God’s Word does not come back void.
But God = Grace and Hope
God comes. God knows. God is gracious and can and will heal. We all have been in situations where we experienced the impact of sin on our lives.
What is our response?
- Do we avoid or hide?
- Do we conspire?
- Do we hope it passes?
Yes, to all the above!
Why do we do this?
Fear. Adam said he was afraid later in the passage.
What should our response be?
Know where we are in our hearts and know our God’s response. He will receive communion with you. He will restore you and give you a proper covering for your sin. In Adam’s case, it was animals, and in our case, it is Christ.
Don’t fall prey to this idea:
I have messed up too much, or I have messed up this situation too much for it to be redeemed by God.
Remember Adam and Eve and how they messed up Eden and each other. BUT God!
by Troy Snyder MS, NCC, LPC, CCSAS, CPCS
Roswell and Woodstock Locations,
troy@restorationcounselingatl.com, ext. 113
Troy specializes in three distinct areas: sexual addiction, anger, and adolescent issues. In these specialties, he works with adult males, adolescent males, and couples. He takes a holistic approach to help his clients by working closely with the parents, spouse, family members, and friends to help his clients create a better foundation for success. Troy also provides counseling for all issues relating to men and adolescent boys.