Are You Running from God?

July 26, 2023

By Brooke Holt

“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

I enjoyed many neighborhood games as a child. My family lived in a neighborhood filled with children who gathered in its amazing park each day. Hide and seek was not just a favorite of mine but of every one of my friends. We played this game at least once a day. I remember the joy of finding just the right spot to hide and that sense I was tucked out of sight and out of reach. What could be better than being the one person who couldn’t be found while playing the game?

In this portion of Psalm 139, King David writes about the human tendency to hide and the inevitability of being found by the Lord. Even in the best hiding spot, God was present with his eyes upon David. David asks where he could go to escape God’s presence. Of all people, David knew a lot about hiding! For years, he ran and hid from King Saul. And while David was successful in evading King Saul’s many attempts to find him, David was not so successful at hiding from the Lord. No matter where David went, the Lord was there. Thankfully, the Lord was not just there to find David but to lead him and hold him. Makes you wonder why David ever tried to hide from the Lord.

Before you judge King David for trying to hide from God, think about the ways in which you have sought to do so. Adult hiding spots look much different than mine did as a child. Often, we hide in busyness, prideful attitudes, pits of depression, shame, self-exaltation, guilt, fear, and patterns of sin. Whatever the methodology of running and hiding, they all lead to the same end with God – being seen and found.

God was omnipresent with David just as he is omnipresent with you. No matter where you go or what you do, the Lord is there ready to lead you and hold you. There simply is no escaping the Lord. Maybe instead of running from God, you can run to God. No sin exists he will not forgive. As we read in the passage from Romans 8 this week, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

In the Lord’s presence, you will find love, grace, and acceptance. Therefore, you have no reason to hide. Delight in being found by the Lord today!

Reflection:

Consider what makes you want to run and hide from God. Where did you learn this pattern of behavior? What does the Lord want you to know about his love and grace today? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

Our honest prayer before God is evidence that we understand the ways He loves, cherishes, sees, and hears us. Through prayer, we can acknowledge with Hagar, “You are the living One who sees me” (Genesis 16:14). When we pray, we are affirming the same. Why do we often hide from this privilege? Why do we avoid God, the One who sees us as we are and stands ready to provide and answer us in his holy, timely way? In this 8-week study on the prayers of Job, Ruth, Hannah, and David, grow your prayer life by facing your honest need and bringing your whole self before God. Acknowledging God as the One who guides your path can change your heart. It can take you past fear and into faith, strength, and hope. Learn more about Honest Prayer.