And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.
Genesis 2:20 (KJV)
There was not found – Have you ever wondered why God mentions in verse 18 that it’s not good for Adam to be alone, but then detours into a set of verses about Adam naming all the animals only to return again to Adam’s help meet? From where did this detour come? These verses almost appear out of place, interrupting the story of how God creates Eve.
So let’s dig in. First God sees that it’s not good for Adam to be alone and says He needs to create a help meet for him. Then one by one, God guides every living creature before Adam so that Adam may give them names. And finally when Adam is done, the text states that there was no help meet found. If God simply gave Adam a wife, do you think Adam would have realized her value and respected her important role in the relationship? Or would he have taken her for granted like so many of us do nowadays? Remember, it was God that thought Adam shouldn’t be alone, not Adam himself. So God takes Adam through all of creation, and their respective others, to help him realize what he’s missing – his other half.
This is a familiar story, isn’t it? God works with me in similar ways. Often times I’m not even aware that I’m missing something, or that I’m lacking in some way, but God does. He takes me by the hand and shows me examples in His creation because we’re visual people. Sometimes we need to see that which we’re lacking to understand we’re even lacking it. If God just gave us that which we needed, we may never even realize how valuable it is. But when He guides us through this process we cherish His gifts all the more.
This is how God works. What is He showing you lately? Could He be presenting you with great examples of exactly what’s lacking in your life? Don’t be discouraged – be encouraged. He loves you. And remember that this process wherein God guides you is often times a service to the LORD as in Adam’s duty to name the animals. So fear not, and go with Him. He will show you something amazing.
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