From Genesis to Now: In the Presence of God

Dear Christa—

It seems to me that even though Adam and Eve were sent from the Garden, they still dwelt in a place in which the presence of God was more evident than other parts of the world, not the Garden but a place still called Eden. Apparently, not every child of Adam and Eve had chosen to stay there, but Cain and Abel had. I wonder about these things from Cain’s response to God when he was told that he must leave the land.

Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is more than I can bear. Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me” (Gen. 4:13).

Though Cain’s offering had not been accepted, he still dwelt in the presence of God. God talked to him directly, even if in correction. It is a wonderful place, the presence of God. I wonder what it would be like to commune with God as they did.

Cain is an interesting person. He does not want to obey God, yet he doesn’t want to be hidden from His presence either. For, to be hidden from His presence is to be a restless wanderer on the earth.

The world is filled with restless wanderers. 

I see them everywhere. 

Sometimes, I think I am one. 

At times I am.

Maybe God’s presence was evident in the land because it was filled with people like Abel, one who worshiped God. I do believe there is a spiritual type of protection in the presence of believers. It’s a prayer that Christian parents pray over their children—that they will not be hidden from His presence. 

It’s a prayer, Christa, that I know you pray for yours.

Our children are scattered not just across the States but across the globe. And I pray whether far or near that they seek out fellowship with believers, that they will live and worship in the presence of God.