Covering is not healing: Genesis 3:21 and the things we hide behind

Most of us have something we hide behind. It might be staying busy. It might be always being the strong one, or making a joke before anyone gets too close. Genesis 3 shows that hiding is as old as shame.

Fig leaves

After Adam and Eve ate from the tree, their eyes were opened and they realised they were naked. They stitched fig leaves together to cover themselves (Genesis 3:7).

Then they hid from God among the trees (Genesis 3:8). When God called out to him, Adam said he had been afraid because he was naked, so he hid (Genesis 3:10).

The fig leaves covered their skin. They did nothing for the fear. Adam was covered and still hiding.

The story of how that shame began is in Who told you that you were naked?

Genesis 3:21

Near the end of the chapter comes a short verse:

“Also for Adam and his wife the LORD God made tunics of skin” (Genesis 3:21, NKJV)

The verse ends with God clothing them himself.

So there are two coverings in this chapter. Adam and Eve made the first one, out of leaves, for themselves. God made the second, and he put it on them.

The things we hide behind

In episode 6 of Tea Time With Thandie, Thandie stays with this one verse. The episode is part 1 of a series called The Restoration of Identity, and it looks at the things we hide behind. It makes the point that covering is not the same as healing. You can listen on the episode page.

A covering can get you through a hard week. A smile or a full diary can be useful for a while. The trouble comes when the covering becomes the plan, because the wound underneath is still there.

Some signs you might be covering instead of healing:

• You avoid any quiet time where feelings might come up.
• You change the subject when someone asks how you really are.
• You are known for always being fine.
• Small things set off reactions that feel too big for them.
• You are tired from holding it all together.

Adam gave the reason he hid: he was afraid. It can help to ask two questions about your own coverings. What do I reach for when I feel exposed? And what am I afraid would happen if I put it down?

Coming out of hiding safely

David knew what it was to hide. In Psalm 32 he says that when he kept silent, his bones grew old. When he acknowledged his sin to God and stopped hiding it, God forgave him (Psalm 32:3-5). David is talking about sin there. The same pattern of hiding and then telling the truth shows up in other kinds of pain too.

James links honesty with healing. He tells believers to confess their trespasses to one another and pray for one another, so that they may be healed (James 5:16).

Some practical steps:

1. Tell God first. He already knows. You can be honest with him about what you have been hiding.
2. Choose one safe person. You do not have to tell everyone. Pick someone who has shown they can keep a confidence.
3. Go at your own pace. You decide what to share and when.
4. Get help with deep wounds. A trained counsellor can help you look at painful things safely. Read Can Christians go to therapy?
5. Let God clothe you. Paul says that all who were baptised into Christ have put on Christ (Galatians 3:27).

For a wider look at first steps, read What is emotional healing, and where do you start?

Part 2: Jacob

The Restoration of Identity continues in episode 8, Borrowed Identity, with Jacob in Genesis 25 and 27. Jacob was covered too, in his brother’s clothes. Read Jacob, Esau and the danger of a borrowed identity.

If you need help now

• If your life is at risk, or you do not feel you can keep yourself safe, call 999 or go to A&E (NHS).
• For urgent help with your mental health, call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, or use 111 online.
• Call Samaritans free on 116 123, at any time of day or night.
• Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support by text, 24 hours a day (Shout).

Listen to episode 6 of Tea Time With Thandie on the podcast page.