THE DESIRE TO RUN AWAY!

 

Sunday, September 27, 2020

 

THE DESIRE TO RUN AWAY!

 

Ps 55:5-7

5 Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. 6 And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. 7 Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah.

 

           This Psalm was likely written early in Absalom’s rebellion against his father, King David. Absalom had his half-sister’s rapist killed and David had banished him. David ultimately allowed him to return but the relationship remain strained. It was in this climate that Absalom built a rebellion.

 

           David knew that he was at fault because of his adultery and the murder of Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah. This was part of Nathan’s curse on his family. The sword would never leave the house of David.

 

           We are all equipped with a “fight or flight” mechanism whenever there is trouble. It is normal to try and simply run away and avoid trouble if possible. When we are cornered, we fight.

 

           David did flee Jerusalem (2 Sam 15:14 ff) and lodged in the wilderness across the Jordan River at Mahanaim but war with his own son was inevitable because of Absalom’s heart. David begged his soldiers to spare Absalom but Absalom got his lovely hair caught in an oak tree and his mule kept walking. Joab comes along and thrusts three javelins through his heart. Then ten others “struck him” that he died. He was buried in a pit in the wilderness.

 

           Perhaps your problems are smaller than David’s, but you still feel like running away. If so, then run to Jesus! David’s throne was in danger, but God’s throne is secure.

 

Ps 55:16

16 As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me.

 

Dear Lord, whenever we are afraid, let us run to you for safety. AMEN