I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wished for a place to escape this often discouraging world. I’m a melancholy person and on the introverted side. If I watch the news too much, or pay too much attention to the sadness in life, I’m fighting the urge to hide.
A house high in the rocks where no one can reach me is appealing sometimes.
There are many things that push us to the point of feeling like we need to escape to a safer, happier place.
- FEAR
A curse common to all of us. I recently had the first time experience of fearing someone was about to physically harm me. Deep down I knew this person probably wouldn’t hurt me, but fear had me looking around to find the door. Fear is a great motivator, but it’s crippling too.
- COMPULSION
I’m a bit compulsive about some things. I have come to learn that there are some circumstances that I don’t need to escape from. But my compulsions tell me to come and go as I please, often without thinking. Giving in to whims can be fun, right?
- PAIN
My feelings don’t get hurt easily, but there is a limit to the thickness of my skin. No one likes to experience pain, and it’s such a relief to escape it. We might do just about anything to get away from this feeling.
You might feel locked in, held for ransom by fate or even a loved one, feeling we need to make a way of escape. We don’t walk by feelings…do we?
Yes, we certainly do walk by our feelings, no matter how hard we try not to. Escape feels good. Click to tweet.
But there are some good reasons to stay put and work through our difficult circumstance.
- BETTER OUTCOME
We can’t see the future – even the very near future. God can. By running away, we might miss the bigger picture – miss the blessing we were meant to have. This is when we need discernment. Ask for it and He will give it, even when you are in the midst of crisis.
- STRENGTH OF CHARACTER
Ever stop to think the pressure you feel is meant to teach you, toughen you, or draw attention to what God is doing in you? Instead of seeking relief, let the fire cure you and make you a more solid vessel.
- LOOK AROUND YOU
You might feel like running, but what about the brother you are leaving behind? Were you supposed to be there for that person? Are you supposed to stay and fight for their benefit? Before you grab your toys to go home, consider your fellow man.
I wrote a novel about a group of people in our country, U.S. citizens who wanted to escape their situation. You will be able to order it from this website or from Amazon by late March. I hope you will read it and learn about what some people did when there was no escape.
Keep reaching!
Jan
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