Running Away…
There’s an unrest in my soul these days. Haven’t pinpointed it yet – but experience tells me it’s preparation. A feeling – things don’t stay the same, no matter how much I hate change.
I know because more than once a day I want to run away – to the wild and quiet Tennessee mountains or even a small town somewhere that nobody knows me. But I stay, firmly planted, knowing that running never makes it all better.
So where is faith in all this. That’s when I most know faith is His gift – and His faithfulness holds me steady. Whispering faith through words on His pages or songs sung by those who know Him or in creation reminders. “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23 NIV)
So much meaning in that dear word ‘faithful’. It’s a timeless promise and intertwined throughout the Bible. When our legs are most shaky or doubts surround He calls to us – just like He called to Joshua so long ago. First He said “Be strong and courageous…” (Deuteronomy 31:7a NIV)
How? When hurricanes wash away any normalcy, when politics continues its corruption, when hurt stabs deep, when the unjust of it all mounts up. How? “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you” (Deuteronomy 31:8a NIV)
Be with us – oh yes, always with us. With us when running away seems to be so tempting – but another step of faith leads us on. One more step with Him until they lead right up to a lifetime of walking His brave and His courage.
Still doubt? Still wonder? “He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8b NIV) A promise we can plant deep in our hearts and it will grow. A promise that reminds life is hard, but His love is sure. A promise that ends with a forever of no more doubts and no more running away.
So for now let’s walk day by day holding tightly to our Hope. And when that inevitable change rocks our world for better or worse – we’ll know we’re not alone. At the end of his life, Joshua, who faced what seemed insurmountable obstacles, declared: “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15 NIV)
parisrenae 
Paris – I completely get the feeling of wanting to run away. It’s usually when the demands and pressures of life don’t ease up. 🙂 My run away is usually to the ocean, but you are right, it doesn’t help when we run away. Loved your post and I am loving your fall pictures, fall is my favorite season. 🙂 We are neighbors today at Kelly’s linkup.
PS.. if you are looking for another place to link to on Thursday’s I would love if you would consider joining my linkup #TuneInThursday – it opens Thursday 3am PST and runs through Sunday night. you can find it at debbiekitterman.com/blog (Please feel free to delete the link if you think it inappropriate).
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Debbie – I think more so in our world today than ever that ‘run’ instinct stirs us – praising God that He stirs us towards Him even more strongly P.S. I live near the ocean thus my desire for the mountains, funny how it works that way – and thank you so much for the invite, I will do so for sure and not at all inappropriate 🙂 Blessings on the journey, firmly planted…
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Visting you from Faith ‘n Friends link up. This such a beautiful post. Each verse speaks to my heart and leads me to drink deeply of the hope I have in the Lord. How His Words strengthen our faith and encourage our trembling hearts. Thank you for sharing words that help me lean on Him who is my Refuge. Sweet Blesdings to you
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Visting you from Faith ‘n Friends link up. This such a beautiful post. Each verse speaks to my heart and leads me to drink deeply of the hope I have in the Lord. How His Words strengthen our faith and encourage our trembling hearts. Thank you for sharing words that help me lean on Him who is my Refuge. Sweet Blessings to you!
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Cheryl, I just hopped over to your blog and so identify with relinquishing control and fear – sisters in Christ for sure. Welcome and thank you for your words of encouragement as well. Blessings as you run to Him and find His peace…
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Oh, sometimes running away seems so appealing!!! I am with you. Grateful for your encouragement to hold fast in the place God has us!
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And He has us safely in His hands doesn’t He? I’m thinking we just need to run to Him and find He’s the best place after all. Blessings as you stay the course…
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Who hasn’t felt that desire when things get tough. Or even just normal life stuff! laurensparks.net
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So true, just the everyday can make running seem oh so alluring 🙂 Yet, running right to Him is always the best! Blessings as you find Him right where you are…
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