Why Do We Try and Hide from God When Things Are Tough?
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I have often found myself wondering why, in times of difficulty and distress, I instinctively try to hide from God. It seems counterintuitive. After all, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Yet, when the storms of life rage, I find myself withdrawing, attempting to manage on my own, or even avoiding prayer and scripture. This blog post aims to explore this paradox, seeking wisdom from the Bible to understand why we hide from God in tough times and how we can change this response.
The Human Tendency to Hide
From the very beginning, humanity has demonstrated a tendency to hide from God when faced with trouble or sin. In Genesis 3:8-10, we read about Adam and Eve hiding from God after disobeying Him:
"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. Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, 'Where are you?' So he said, 'I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.'"
Adam and Eve's reaction to hide from God after their sin set a precedent for humanity. When faced with guilt, shame, or fear, our natural inclination is to hide. This behavior is not limited to moments of sin; it extends to times of distress and hardship.
Fear and Shame as Barriers
One primary reason we hide from God is fear and shame. Just as Adam and Eve were afraid because of their nakedness, we often feel exposed and vulnerable in our struggles. We might fear that our faith is not strong enough, that our doubts are too significant, or that our sins are too great. However, the Bible reassures us that God's love is unconditional and His grace is sufficient.
Romans 8:38-39 provides a powerful reminder of God's unshakable love:
"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Knowing that nothing can separate us from God's love should encourage us to approach Him in our times of need, rather than hiding away.
The Illusion of Self-Sufficiency
Another reason we hide from God during tough times is the illusion of self-sufficiency. Society often promotes the idea that we must handle our problems independently. This mindset can seep into our spiritual lives, leading us to believe that we must resolve our issues before coming to God.
Proverbs 3:5-6 counters this belief, urging us to trust in God rather than our understanding:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
Acknowledging our dependence on God is not a sign of weakness but a recognition of His sovereignty and our need for His guidance.
Spiritual Warfare and Distractions
The enemy, Satan, plays a significant role in our inclination to hide from God. Spiritual warfare is real, and during times of struggle, the devil often intensifies his efforts to separate us from God. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us of the nature of our battle:
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."
One of Satan's strategies is to fill our minds with lies and distractions, convincing us that God is distant or disinterested in our troubles. However, 1 Peter 5:7 encourages us to cast all our anxieties on God because He cares for us:
"Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."
God's Invitation to Come to Him
Throughout the Bible, God continually invites us to come to Him, especially in times of trouble. Matthew 11:28-30 is a beautiful invitation from Jesus:
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Jesus understands our struggles and offers us rest and relief. His invitation is open and compassionate, assuring us that we do not have to bear our burdens alone.
Biblical Examples of Turning to God
Many figures in the Bible serve as examples of turning to God in times of distress rather than hiding from Him. One such example is King David. Despite his numerous trials and sins, David continually sought God. Psalm 34:17-18 reflects David's trust in God's deliverance:
"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit."
David's life was marked by a persistent pursuit of God, even in his darkest moments. His psalms are filled with cries for help, expressions of trust, and declarations of God's faithfulness.
Another example is the Apostle Paul. Despite facing immense persecution, Paul consistently turned to God for strength. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul shares God's response to his plea for relief:
"And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Paul's reliance on God's grace, even when it did not result in immediate relief from his suffering, is a powerful testament to the strength found in depending on God.
Practical Steps to Stop Hiding from God
Acknowledge Your Feelings: The first step in stopping the tendency to hide from God is to acknowledge your feelings. Be honest with yourself and with God about your fears, doubts, and struggles. Psalm 62:8 encourages us to pour out our hearts before God:
"Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us."
Seek God's Presence Through Prayer: Make a conscious effort to seek God's presence through prayer. Even when you feel distant or unworthy, remember that God is always ready to listen. Philippians 4:6-7 advises us to bring our requests to God with thanksgiving:
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Immerse Yourself in Scripture: The Bible is a powerful tool for drawing closer to God. Spend time reading and meditating on scripture, allowing God's word to speak to your situation. Psalm 119:105 reminds us of the guidance found in God's word:
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Connect with Fellow Believers: Surround yourself with a community of believers who can support and encourage you. Fellowship with others can provide strength and accountability. Hebrews 10:24-25 highlights the importance of gathering together:
"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."
Remember God's Faithfulness: Reflect on past experiences of God's faithfulness. Reminding yourself of how God has helped you before can strengthen your faith in His ability to help you now. Lamentations 3:22-23 speaks of God's unfailing compassion:
"Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."
Recommended Books to Further Study the Subject
Hiding from God in times of trouble is a natural human tendency, rooted in fear, shame, and the illusion of self-sufficiency. However, the Bible teaches us that God is always present, loving, and ready to help. By acknowledging our feelings, seeking God's presence, immersing ourselves in scripture, connecting with fellow believers, and remembering God's faithfulness, we can overcome the urge to hide and instead find refuge in Him.
Let us take comfort in the words of Psalm 91:1-2, which beautifully capture the security we have in God:
"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.'"
May we learn to trust God more deeply, especially in our toughest times, and find peace and strength in His unwavering love and faithfulness.
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