Running Fool

Psalm 139:7

When the prophet Jonah didn’t like the sound of what God was instructing him to do—to go and preach to the Ninevites—the Bible says he “rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.” Then after finding a ship that was heading that direction—to the far reaches of the known world— “he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD” (Jonah 1:3). Two times the verse says it: “Away from the presence of the LORD.” No doubt Jonah had heard King David’s psalm read in public worship services. “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me” (Psalm 139:7–10). But when a person is intent on rebelling, their thinking can get all messed up. I mean, how messed up is it to think we can run away from God? Who in their right mind would ever feel like they could do that? Whenever you begin to harden your heart against the truth, you start believing you can do things you absolutely cannot do. You can grow deceived enough in your own twisted logic that you actually become convinced you can hide from God. But no place exists outside the presence of the Lord. Nowhere. And today’s a good day to be reminded of this simple truth, if it’s become less than obvious: Stop running. Stop hiding. And start realizing that the presence of the Lord is not something to escape but to embrace.

Questions for further thought:
1. What are some of the first clues that indicate you’re not thinking clearly about how a certain action or habit is affecting your relationship with God?
2. What are some practical steps of accountability that could help prevent you from losing your spiritual senses?

Challenge: Start praying today for the Lord to show you ways to trust Him. Ask Him for the wisdom and courage to follow through on that trust.