Run and hide!

There are times when we each want to run and hide.  You have felt it too, haven't you?  That feeling of panic, fear and the wish you could just run away, escape the storm coming and hide from it all.  

This is such a universal feeling I don't really need to explain it.  The moment I mention it we all nod and acknowledge our understanding of that fear, that desire to run and hide.  The bible is filled with honest men and women who go through the same things we do and have to make decisions...will I run and hide or will I trust God? And if I trust God, what does that look like?

My thoughts go to the book of Esther and her fear of confronting the king.  And there is Elijah who, out of fear of a woman, ran for his life.  I think of Gideon who asked God with quivering lips, "Are you sure?"  as he accepted his assignment.  And I remember Joshua who had to be told over and over, "Be strong, be of good courage, don't be afraid."

But the one who shares his fears more vividly and honestly than any other is David.  King David, the man who ran for his life for several years constantly fearing King Saul.  It's in David's words that we have a response to our desire to run and hide.

My adversaries pursue me all day long;
    in their pride many are attacking me.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
    In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
    What can mere mortals do to me?

Psalm 56:2-4

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." Fear is the emotion that makes us run and hide or look up in trust. 

This morning I got a letter from a pastor's wife in another state.  They are going through fearful times in their church and in their lives.  Her husband, the pastor, wants to run away and hide, but as I read about David and Jesus, I see men who looked up in the midst of the storm and said, "Lord, when I am afraid I will put my trust in you."  

When you are tempted to run and hide take a moment and look up....your redemption is near, God is on the throne....in the storm you will see the amazing work of God, but if you run and hide you will miss it all.