What’s Under Your Tent?
See Joshua 6-7 in your Bible
The fall of Jericho was unforgettable. The people of Israel watched the walls crumble—not by siege or sword, but by the sheer power of God. It was a miraculous beginning to life in the Promised Land.
But right after this triumph came a stunning defeat. Why? Because beneath the celebration, something hidden had taken root.
"Sometimes the loudest shouts of celebration cover the quietest acts of disobedience."
Achan’s Secret
In Joshua 7, we learn that one man—Achan—took what God had commanded to be destroyed. He saw it, wanted it, took it, and buried it. No one else knew. Or so he thought.
When Israel went to their next battle at Ai, they were crushed. Thirty-six men died. The whole community was shaken. Achan’s private act had public consequences.
"Hidden sin always has public consequences."
We like to think our choices affect only us, but Scripture shows that sin spreads—corrupting relationships, weakening communities, and dulling our hearts toward God.
We’ve Been Hiding Since the Beginning
Adam and Eve tried it first. They sinned and hid among the trees. But God came calling: “Where are you?” Not because He didn’t know, but because He was inviting them back into the light.
"We’ve been hiding from God since the very beginning."
The truth is, hidden sin…
Hardens our hearts
Harms our relationships
Diminishes our spiritual power
It’s like rot in the soul. Left buried, it will destroy us.
Radical Honesty
Jesus doesn’t downplay sin—He raises the stakes. In Matthew 5, He says if something in your life is causing you to sin, deal with it decisively. Not self-harm, but spiritual surgery.
"What we hide can kill us. What we confess can be healed."
"Jesus isn’t calling for self-harm—He’s calling for spiritual surgery."
He also says in Luke 12, “There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed.”
What we hide can kill us. What we confess can be healed.
The Good News
The sin of one man—Adam—brought death.
But the obedience of One—Jesus—brought life (Romans 5).
"Achan buried what God said to destroy, but Jesus brings life out of what we bring into the light."
He calls us out of hiding—not to condemn, but to restore.
"God doesn’t come looking to shame you—He comes looking to save you."
Step Into the Light
What’s “under your tent”?
What’s quietly corroding your spirit?
Where are you saying no to God?
Be honest to God. He isn’t looking for you to fix yourself first. He’s calling you to step into His mercy, to drop the burden, to walk in freedom.
Because God doesn’t come looking to shame you—He comes looking to save you.
Reflection
This week, take five minutes of quiet time with God. Ask Him to reveal anything you’ve been keeping under your “tent.” Then, pray for courage to bring it into the light—before Him, and if necessary, with a trusted friend or pastor.
Have you ever experienced God’s grace after bringing something hidden into the light? We’d love to hear your story—because your honesty might be the encouragement someone else needs.