Have you ever wanted to just…escape?

I have.  Lots of times.  I’ve wanted to escape…run…hide…leave…delay…avoid.

One morning on my way into work, I actually seriously considered what it would be like to keep driving and turn towards the Interstate instead of staying straight on the road into downtown.   I didn’t do it.  I went to work like I do every other day.  And of course in hindsight, whatever it was I wanted to escape from or avoid was probably not all that bad.  It appears I survived.

But those thoughts creep into our minds every once in a while when life becomes difficult.  We think it would be so much better to just get away from it all instead of having to face the problem or the person or the circumstance or the challenge.

Seems we’re not alone.  Even King David – you know, the one who as a boy faced down a certain giant with only a sling and some stones – said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.  Indeed, I would wander far off, and remain in the wilderness.  I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.” (Psalm 55:6-8)

Wings would come in handy sometimes.

But God didn’t make us with wings, so I’m thinking that He created us for something other than flying away.  I’m thinking that He created us to face down the giants instead of looking for the escape route. 

So the next time the temptation to run away starts stirring in my heart, I’ll stay put and face whatever it is I need to face. 

And I know I won’t be alone.

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.   Deuteronomy 13:6

Fear not,  for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.   Isaiah 41:10

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?  Psalm 139:7

Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him?” says the LORD; “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the LORD. Jeremiah 23:24

Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?”            Genesis 16:13

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:13