READ: GENESIS 3:1-10; PSALM 34:5; LUKE 15

One day on a walk through my neighborhood, I spotted an injured duck. As I neared the lake behind a row of houses, other ducks flew away at my approach. Unable to fly, the wounded one hobbled around a tree trunk to hide. It seemed desperate to escape on only one functioning leg. I called Animal Control services in hopes that they could collect the duck and transport it to an animal rehabilitation facility. I stayed outside to keep an eye on the injured creature while I awaited help.

Animal Control arrived, but the duck couldn’t be found. I had attempted to follow it so I could point it out to the animal rescuer. But in panic and pain, the duck hid itself away—not realizing help was close by.

In a way, we do the same thing. When we put our trust in Jesus for forgiveness of our sins, we become God’s beloved children. In His lovingkindness we can experience, not just forgiveness of our sins, but also healing from hurts and bitterness. But, like the wounded duck ran from rescue, our own sin and brokenness may cause us to pull away from the love offered in our relationship with Jesus. Shame may convince us we’re beyond repair.

Adam and Eve did the same thing in Genesis 3. They hid from God “among the trees of the garden” after they’d sinned (verse 8). Their shame and regret kept them away from the only one who could provide healing and restoration. Like Adam and Eve tried to cover themselves with flimsy leaves, we may seek to cover our sins, mistakes, and vulnerabilities, hoping to appear whole. But Jesus died and rose again to provide the way to wholeness. So now, instead of trying to convince ourselves, God, and others that we’re okay, or that we have all the resources we need to “fix” ourselves, we can turn in faith to the God who heals. • Allison Wilson Lee

• What parts of your past or present do you hesitate to share with others? Sometimes we find it difficult to believe God is trustworthy to heal those things. Why do you think that is? Consider taking some time to talk to God about whatever is on your mind.

• We don’t have to endure pain in isolation. God provides help in relationship with Himself, and with fellow Christians. Who are safe people in your life you could open up to about your hurts? (If no one comes to mind, you can ask God to help you identify someone in the future.)

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3 (NIV)