“And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.” (Genesis 3:8)
Every day, as the evening breeze stirred through Eden, the Lord God came walking in the garden. Adam knew that sound well. It was the sound of his Creator drawing near, and each time he heard it, he went out gladly to meet Him. How many days, or even years, this sweet fellowship continued, Scripture does not say.
But this day was different.
The same footsteps echoed through the garden, yet this time Adam did not run toward them. He ran away. Sin had entered his heart, and with it came shame and fear. Sin made him hide from God. The One he had walked with daily; he now hid from among the trees. The sound that once filled him with joy now filled him with dread. The sweet fellowship he once enjoyed with God, those precious moments of walking and talking with his Creator, were the very things Adam now hid from.
Notice what sin does. It breaks fellowship, and it also distorts our view and creates a wrong understanding of God. Adam had no reason to fear the One who had only ever given him good things, yet sin whispered a lie: “He is your enemy. Hide.”
What do you do when you hear the footsteps of God? Do you run toward Him, or do you hide? Is your sin making you hide from God?
Do not let the sound of His footsteps fill you with fear. Because of the Cross of Jesus Christ, you can boldly approach him when you hear his footsteps. The blood He shed has removed your guilt and shame, and we can now come boldly to the meet him. When you hear His footsteps, don’t hide. Come out and meet Him.