Monday, September 25 – Joshua 7:1

But the sons of Israel acted unfaithfully regarding the things designated for destruction, for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, from the tribe of Judah, took some of the designated things; therefore the anger of the Lord burned against the sons of Israel.

Imagine this scenario: A toddler ate a cookie off the plate on the counter he was told not to eat yet. He insists he did not do it. As far as he was concerned, all the evidence was gone when he finished that last bite. But when you looked at him, you saw all the evidence you needed on his hands, around his mouth, and in his eyes. We laugh at moments like these because what a child thought was smooth and sneaky was anything but that. So often, this is how we approach God. Like the sons of Israel, we believe we can sin in secret without consequences. Even as early as the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve ran to hide as soon as they sinned against God (Genesis 3:6-8). This response comes to us all too naturally. Yet, just like the child covered in the evidence of his guilt, our sin is clear to God even when we try to fool ourselves.

When we fall into sin, we often hide and keep hiding for as long as possible. We will cover up, lie to others and to ourselves, to spin a story that paints our innocence, all the while driving a deeper wedge between us and God who loves us and knows all things. Instead of running to hide when we sin against God, He should be the first we call on. We cannot hide from Him, nor should we want to. He is a good Father, who is rich in mercy, and He will restore what has been broken.

• When have you tried to hide your sin from God? What happened?
• What is your typical reaction when you are confronted with your sin? Why do you think you react that way?
• Pray and ask God to help you repent for any sin that you have been trying to hide from Him.