Psalm 11 I’ve already run for dear life straight into the arms of God. So why would I run away now when you say, “Run to the mountains; the evil bows are bent, the wicked arrows aimed to shoot under cover of darkness at every heart open to God. The bottom’s dropped out of the country; good people don’t have a chance!” But God hasn’t moved to the mountains; His holy address hasn’t changed. He’s in charge, as always, His eyes taking everything in, His eyelids unblinking…not missing a thing.
This was a tough week. But one morning before sunrise this little scripture showed its face and it was brilliant and beautiful in about a million ways. Here’s a bit from my journal:
In hard times, people will say: Run! Get away from the trouble! Flee and save yourself! The problem with that plan? God hasn’t gone to the mountains. He doesn’t flee. He doesn’t hide from trouble – in fact, He uses trouble as His most wonderful window display. And when I run from the hard thing or the the tough relationship or the difficult situation, I may actually be running from God.
And in related news…
I Samuel 18:30 Whenever the Philistine warlords came out to battle, David was there to meet them – and beat them – upstaging Saul’s men. David’s name was on everyone’s lips.
Saul – in his frantic attempts to kill David – actually keeps unwittingly positioning him for victory, increased strength and wild acclaim. Wow. Saul would have been smarter to just closet David away in a safe, quiet spot in the kingdom, away from the battlefield that would prove his strength and his God.
Many people will say “pick your battles”. I’m learning that as long as I’m hidden in Christ, my battles can pick me and I’m still going to be right where He wants me. And right where He wants me – no matter how dangerous – is always safe.
So, here’s my decision for the coming week and I empower you to hold me accountable: no matter what, no matter who, no matter how hot the battle – I will not run to the mountains or the mall or to Food Network (my favorite place of escape). I will not lose heart or shrink back or let fear nibble away at my faith. I will stand and believe and say “Bring it on, Saul! If God is for me, who can…who possibly would dare…to be against me?”
With beauty in sight,
Bo
P.S. Food network? While not a worthy escape is still a remarkable achievement of television genius.
How similar our experience’s must have been last week. Circumstances perhaps different, but the natural instinct to flee to some place ‘safe’ was/is so real. Thanks for the perspective of seeing that often I am running away from the very thing that I need. I am believeing for a better week and a heart that is deeply rooted and rested in the safety of my Ultimate Shelter, Father God.
Cheryl – I’m believing for a better week for you as well…and I’m so excited to have you here for a bit.
The real challenge this week though Bo: Not saying anything to those stinking people who don’t know what starbucks’ drinks are called! The nerve of those people… walking in and saying “medium” instead of “venti”. 🙂
Nail maintenance was exactly, precisely why the red had to go by the way! It was unfortunate, because I so enjoyed being esteemed and viewed as “put together” or “marketing scheme victim”. I always forget which it was! Thanks for the great post and just the stinking encouragement to chase God that your life is… you got a little anonymous shout out in my latest post! A fact you’ll want to write home about I’m sure 🙂
Hey Bo!! How have you been? It’s been a while! How’s the fam? Tell everyone “hi” for me. I need to come visit you again sometime! I miss the ol days when I saw you more…well, sorta…the part about seeing you more anyway! :o)
Much love and God bless!
Naomi
Oh yeah, I don’t know if you can see my email address to reply, so it’s naomi4385@yahoo.com
Bo: I’m with you. I set myself not to run to anything but God. Even when it would be so much more fun to run to Starbucks, but then the coffee gets cold, the lights turn out,they ask me to leave and I’m left to face my giant. So like David, I reach for the smoothness of the stone, place it in my hand and knowing God has been with me before, I throw it…
I love you my friend and wait patiently for a return trip to my favorite place in the world.
Oh goodness, Corina…you just made me cry and I totally didn’t want to cry today! It was just so wonderful to see your name and read your words…imagine if I could actually see your FACE! If you would make a return trip I would love to share that coffee with you and talk about the giants slain and victories won and battles left to come…much love to you my friend.