Rising from Hiding

Rising from Hiding: How Fear Keeps Us Trapped and How to Break Free

Have you ever felt the need to hide your true self, whether emotionally, spiritually, or socially? If so, you're not alone. Many women carry secret burdens of fear, shame, and perfectionism that keep us covered up—like fig leaves hiding our vulnerability. In this post, we'll explore the deep-rooted fears behind our masks, how they distort our view of God and ourselves, and practical ways to step into freedom. Whether you're looking for encouragement, spiritual insight, or a roadmap to authenticity, this guide is for you.By the end, you'll understand how fear operates as a barrier and discover the steps to respond with truth, trust, and surrender—walking into the life of abundance God has prepared for you.

The Hidden Cost of Hiding: Why We Cover Up

Fear compels us to sew fig leaves of perfectionism, busyness, and people-pleasing to protect ourselves. Like Adam and Eve after the fall, our instinct is to cover what we perceive as shameful or vulnerable. But what does this hiding cost us? It disconnects us from God's love, distorts our view of Him, and keeps us in a prison of our own making.When I shared my own journey during a weekly community check-in, I revealed how fear of rejection and disappointment often lead me to mask my true feelings. I might appear strong on the outside, but inwardly, I’m fragile and afraid. This masks a common human experience: wanting to be seen, but feeling too afraid to show ourselves fully.

Why Do We Hide?Our hiding begins as a survival instinct fueled by fear: fear of rejection, failure, or abandonment. These fears distort how we see ourselves and God, leading us to believe that we are not enough or that God is disappointed in us. The truth is, God's love is unconditional, but our perception can trap us in a cycle of doubt.

The Fear Behind the Fig Leaves: What Are We Covering?

Genesis 3 vividly illustrates how fear prompts us to hide. Adam and Eve, after disobeying God, sewed fig leaves together to hide their shame—and more than just physical coverings, they hid emotionally and spiritually. Fear convinced them they were not enough and that they needed to conceal their true selves.The question God asked in the garden—"Where are you?"—was not about His ignorance but an invitation to come out of hiding. The same question echoes to us today: What are you hiding behind? Are you masking your pain with perfectionism or busyness? Are you pretending to be okay when you're hurting inside?

Common Hiding Strategies

• Perfectionism: Striving to appear flawless to avoid judgment.

• Busyness: Overcommitting to distract from inner pain.

• People-pleasing: Pleasing others to gain acceptance.

• Emotional suppression: Hiding feelings of pain or disappointment.

• 
  

How Fear Distorts Our View of God and Ourselves

Fear warps our perception of God's character. Instead of seeing Him as a loving Father, we may view Him as disappointed, angry, or tired of us. That distorted view leads to further hiding and shame, creating a barrier between us and His love.In my conversation during the weekly reset, I reflected on how fear causes us to believe God's rejection when in truth, His pursuit is constant. The story in Genesis reveals that God's response was not condemnation but an invitation: "Come out from hiding."

Scripture Spotlight:

• Genesis 16:13 — "She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her, 'You are the God who sees me.'"

• Zephaniah 3:17 — "He will rejoice over you with singing."

• Jeremiah 29:11 — "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope."

Each of these scriptures reminds us that God's love is steadfast, and His desire is for us to walk in freedom and fullness.

The Response: Coming Out of Hiding and Walking into Freedom

God's invitation is clear: stop hiding, come closer, and trust in His love. Like in Genesis, where God asks, "Where are you?", He is calling us to reveal our true selves. The response involves taking intentional steps—telling the truth about where you are, surrendering fears, and trusting God's process of healing.Practical tips include:

• Identifying what you are hiding behind (fear, perfectionism, shame).

• Acknowledging your feelings and bringing them into God's presence.

• Speaking God's truth over your life, affirming your worth and identity in Him.

• Choosing one area to surrender and trusting God to lead your healing journey.

  
  

Actionable Step

: Write down one lie you've believed about God or yourself and replace it with God's truth. Then declare it aloud daily.

Your Next Step: Embrace Freedom and Live Fully

Remember, the path to authentic living begins with truth—your truth and God's truth. When you respond to God's invitation and shed your fig leaves, you're stepping into the abundant life He has for you (John 10:10).As we close, I invite you to reflect: What will you leave behind today? What are you ready to reveal about yourself—the pain, the dreams, the truth?

Final encouragement

You don't have to carry your burdens alone. Jesus invites you—"Come to me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

Summary:

When fear pushes us to hide, it distorts our relationship with God and ourselves. But God's love is relentless in pursuit. By responding with honesty, trusting His truth, and surrendering our coverings, we can step into the freedom of living fully alive in Him.

Next time you feel the urge to hide, remember: His invitation is to come out, step in, and walk into the life of abundance He has already prepared.

FAQ: Common Questions About Hiding and Freedom

Q1: Why do I keep hiding even when I want to be free?

Hiding is a natural response to fear and shame. It becomes a habit often rooted in the belief that we're not enough or that we will be rejected. Replacing lies with God's truth can help break this cycle.

Q2: How can I tell if I am hiding from God or myself?

If you find yourself avoiding certain feelings, avoiding God through busyness, or feeling shame about areas of your life, you might be hiding. Prayer and honest reflection can reveal these masks.

Q3: What practical steps can I take to come out of hiding?

Start small: identify what you are covering, speak God's word over that area, share your feelings with a trusted person, and commit to being honest with God daily.

Q4: How does believing God's love help me stop hiding?

When you truly believe that God's love is unconditional and that He desires closeness, fear loses its grip. Trust in His pursuit transforms your perception of yourself and your worth.If you're ready to step out of hiding and into freedom, remember: It begins with a decision, a willingness to be seen, and a trust that God's love covers you. You are fully known and fully loved—now and always.

Stay connected

To watch replay click this link https://www.youtube.com/live/gDvUx3yTX78?si=iEiSQPys_JRCONOo

Join me every Monday Night Live at 7:00 p.m. on YouTube

Visit my YouTube Channel @lashaymjohnson and subscribe, like, and turn on notifications to continue growing in your journey toward authentic life.