You Can't Run Away

Not all grieving people are comforted by knowing God is with them. At some point in their grief journey, they would rather run away than be in God’s presence. Some are very mad at God, maybe because of the circumstances or so many unanswered questions. Like a kid having a tantrum, they want to push God out of their lives. Or remove Him very far away – like to another continent. But as I was reading this week, I realized He won’t allow this. He promises throughout the Scriptures “I am with you”. The other side of “He is with me” is found in Psalm 139 –where can I get away from His presence?

Where can I go from your Spirit?     Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there;     if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn,     if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me,     your right hand will hold me fast.

If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me     and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you;… Psalm 139:7-12

Wherever I go, He is there. I can’t get away. I can’t hide. He sees from far away. He sees in the dark. I can’t leave His presence, because He is everywhere! He is being “with me” whether I like it or not. God is here. He won’t leave me and I can’t get away from Him.

Neither can you. So give in. Take advantage of Him. That is what He wants -for you to take advantage of His love, His comfort, His wisdom. Lean into Him with your questions that don’t seem to have answers. Lean into Him with your pain – and get comfort. You can’t leave him anyway. You will end up with Him very near because He will not forsake you. Can’t happen. So don’t waste time and energy fighting it. Give in. Be comforted. He is present with you now.