Forbidden— Not Forgotten

Some doors close for our protection, not our punishment. In the space between forbidden and forgotten, God’s love still guards what’s sacred.

“You are free to eat from any tree in the garden—but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil…”

— Genesis 2:16–17 (MSG)

There is something sacred in the word forbidden—something mysterious, yet protective.

When we hear it, it often feels like a denial. A restriction. But in truth, what is forbidden by God is often what preserves us.

What Does It Mean to Be Forbidden?

The word forbidden has weight.

Defined as a verb, it means to refuse or prevent someone from doing something. As an adjective, it denotes something not allowed—banned, closed off, sealed.

Even in physics, a “forbidden transition” refers to a quantum leap between energy states that violates natural laws—it defies what is allowed by design.

And isn’t that how it felt in the beginning?

In Eden, Adam was told not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Not because God wanted control—but because He wanted to protect the purity of His creation.

First came the science of love… and the serpent of deceit.

The Fall: Without Shame, Not Without Consequence

God created a woman—crafted from the rib of Adam—as a divine answer to what He knew Adam needed. Not a mistake. Not an accident.

And yet, even in this perfect beginning, a fall occurred.

Adam and Eve crossed the boundary God had drawn. And though we often associate this moment with guilt or shame, God’s response was more layered. He held humanity accountable, yes—but He also covered them. He still made provision.

A cherubim was placed at the garden’s entrance—not out of cruelty, but protection. Life had to be guarded. Purpose had to be preserved.

God’s Boundaries Are Not Denials—They’re Direction

Sometimes God forbids you from a place, a person, or a path not to punish you, but to redirect you. You may not understand it now, but there are territories you are not called to enter—yet. Or ever.

And that’s OK.

Because what’s forbidden is not forgotten.

God still sees you. Still knows you. Still covers you.

In Genesis, God demonstrated both separation and sacred order. He created light and dark. He separated waters from land. His creation was deliberate—scientific, even. Physics and faith were not at odds; they were intertwined.

After all was said and done, God didn’t panic.

He rested.

Reflection Questions:

• What has God “forbidden” in your life that later proved to be protection?

  
  

• Have you ever looked back and seen the hand of God guarding what you didn’t yet understand?

• Are there any boundaries you’re currently being called to honor, even if they feel confusing or painful?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for the boundaries You set that I don’t always understand. Thank You for guarding what is sacred—even from me. Help me to trust what You allow, and even more, what You don’t. I surrender to Your direction. Amen.

Final Thought:

You are not forgotten just because you’ve been forbidden.

You are loved, held, and redirected—toward something greater.