Eyes Wide Open

And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. (Genesis 3:8)

I am reminded of why I took a sabbatical from social media for about five months this past weekend. We tend to beat a dead horse to death times (multiplication) the number of friends you have. Unless you hid under a rock for the week, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Coldplay (a rock group) had a kiss cam and displayed a CEO and his HR person embraced. Smiles went away immediately and the CEO dove for cover.

Genesis 3 came to mind when Adam and Eve's eyes were opened. Once they knew God was going for his walk in the cool of the day, they dove for cover.

Hope started its men's group almost 20 years ago. I was in my 40s and a participant at that time. Today I write devotions for it, but its purpose remains much the same: to focus our attention on God's Word and its role in our lives (Pastor Joe's sermon yesterday and the Saturday devotion on Martha and Mary). Men can stray, and do stray from the truth. In fact, and old illustration is, "What would people think if you had a movie of your life played for all to see?" 

Chances are there would be some unflattering sins on display for the world that would make you want to hide as well.

David experienced this head on with Bathsheba, and once called for it after a few months passed, he wrote this psalm of repentance:

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit." (Psalm 51:11-12)

David was restored, but his sin had consequences. His sins were forgiven, but his authority was never the same. The baby died as well.

Focus on God's Word. Return to God (Joel) and focus on the cross of Christ.

Pray with me: God, when I'm tempted, help me to turn to you. Help me to trust in you and your ways. Help me to know your Word and its role in my life. Thank you for your grace, mercy and peace I have in trusting in you. Amen.