Fleeing Vs. Standing
Key Verse to Read and Treasure
And I say, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; yes, I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness; I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and tempest.” (Psalm 55:6-8, ESV)
For Insight
Have you ever read this part of David’s psalm and thought to yourself, “Oh I know exactly how David felt!” Feeling like we want to fly or run away is not an uncommon or unnatural feeling to have. Almost everyone has had times in life where they just want to be away from the situation; wishing they could have wings so they could take flight; wanting to be anywhere but where they are; dealing with something else other than what they are having to deal with.
David wanted to escape his predicament. David found himself in a dangerous situation. He had been betrayed by a close friend. Even some of his relatives had turned against him. His life was in great danger, and he had nowhere to turn. His options or future didn’t look very promising. No wonder his heart was heavy enough to want to flee the situation and place where he was. I can just hear him praying to God with an anguished and panicked heart.
We can identify with David’s thoughts and emotions; admitting we’ve experienced similar times in our own life. It may have been some illness or disease that we knew was not going to get any better, and over time would lead to further degeneration or even death, a troubled relationship with issues that we are forced to revisit far too often, financial troubles that won’t let up and put our well-being in jeopardy, a job that does nothing but bring stress and anxiety, giving care to someone when our own health is not the greatest, people who fuss and nag to the point we can’t stand it any longer. God only knows how many times we have prayed prayers like the one David prayed.
Sometimes we want to fly away and maybe this is where we might be reminded of the Apostle Paul’s message in Ephesians 6 where he reminds us when we’ve done all we can to stand, to stand some more. Or the times we lean heavily on the promise of God to carry or sustain us, to not lean on our own understanding but trust in the wisdom and protection of God (Prov. 3:5-6).
God knows under some conditions staying and standing is the hardest thing we will have to do. He doesn’t always support or approve flying, and in those times, he doesn’t want us to take the next exit but be assured and comforted in knowing He’ll give us all the support we need to stick it out until the time has lifted or our troubles give way to a new season.
Praying Psalm 55:6-8
Lord, there are times I just want to fly away from these earthly problems, situations, circumstances, and even people. Times when flying away looks a lot more attractive than staying. Grant me the wisdom I need Lord. Grant me strength to stay when flying or running away isn’t your plan or option for me. Since you equipped me with a brain that signals fight or flight at the appropriate time help me to keep still when my instincts say just fly away and be at rest!
Prayer Challenge
Is there a situation going on in your life presently where you want to be like David and fly away to be at rest? Talk it over with God before you make a final decision.
Digging Deeper
Devotionally Yours 