Where Do You Run?
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Where do you run when you need help? Do you call your husband and pour your heart out to him? Do you ask your Mom or Dad to listen? Or maybe you prefer to be alone in your room, where you can log onto Facebook, post your problems on your wall — and see if your friends may have the answers you need?
A few years ago, I was faced with a situation where I needed help. I did all of the above. I asked everyone except God. Usually, I go to God first. But this time my problem seemed so overwhelming that I instinctively ran to the physical things that I could touch or see with my natural senses.
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What’s the problem with that approach? It’s not grounded in faith. Yes, it’s fine to go to the people around us who love us, but first we must run by faith to God. People come and go. People are not always there. Even our family as much as they may love us are not always around.
“When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the LORD will take care of me. Teach me Your way, O LORD, And lead me in a smooth path” (Psalm 27:10-11, KJV).
“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).
We need a constant Source of help, a place we can run where our Comforter never turns away and our Guide never departs. We need a Helper who can always be found, one whose love is steady and whose forgiveness is strong. We need God.
We need God for life itself. We need Him on the days when we are popular and we need Him on the days when all of our friends are gone. We need God during nights that are filled with frustration and tears, and we need Him on nights that are filled with laughter.
James 4:8 encourages, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (NKJV).
I like the way The Message puts it:
So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud “No” to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet “Yes” to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet. (James 4:7-10)
Questions: What keeps you from running to God? Will you try running to Him with a heart full of faith the next time you need help?
About the Author Jacqueline Overpeck
I too, like Linda D, was drifting away from God. But I thank Him for helping me realise that. I had to realign myself and began to draw near to Him. He is indeed faithful, and just knowing He is always there is such a great feeling.
Thank you. I needed this today..confirmination and reassurance that God is always there for me. Jesus is my best friend and by His blood I am covered, safe and secure as I pour my heart out to HIm..
this was a great devotional
Katy sorry I missed that, thanks Linda
Linda, it does state those verses are from The Message if you read above.
I like this verse:
James 4:8 encourages, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you”
It is comforting. Gives us a goal for us to edge, to focus, to draw closer to our Precious Holy Father.
This was the most amazing devotional for me to read this day. I have been drifting slowly away from God and admit that He has been the last person I have sought for help and guidance. I love you Jesus and I pray that you will draw me near to you again. You are an almighty God and nothing is too big for you. Help me to come to you first, oh Lord.
As i cannot sleep and this text came to me. After reading it, i realized that i had drifted away from my faith i used to have in Him. Relying on myself alone to settle problems that i have or even publishing my anger on facebook. I’ve ask for forgiveness from God and ask Him to lead the way. From now onwards i will always focus on God before doing anythings. Thank you Lord.
Just have to ask why you never mentioned that the verses in James 4:7-10 were from the Message Translation? This is a great devotional but I am Surprised and Disappointed to see this Devotional Site use that translation of the Bible. Hugs, Linda
Aww, this is SO precious and SO true! We are all prone to run to “the physical” first, but Jesus is working in us, to will and to do, and to know that HE is before ALL in our lives. What a WONDERFUL Saviour we serve! Lord, I just thank You today for the work that you do. I thank You that You are THAT jealous for our affection and our right standing with You. YOU are our Captain, YOU know all things and YOU want us close to You Lord, RIGHT near, by Your Great side!
Amen!