May 18th – Proverbs 18: What Do You Run To?

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” – Proverbs 18:10

This Proverb is so basic and its message so fundamental that I believe many times in our quest for the newest, latest and greatest we miss this very simple principle. It could be translated: “The honor, authority and character of Jehovah is an elevated place of safety, a stronghold; the just and upright person flees to it and is inaccessible to the enemy, safe from all attack.”

Many times we think of righteous people as being people that never retreat and never back down from the enemy, yet scripture is clear that sometimes the wisest thing to do is FLEE! Take sexual immorality for example: many sins and temptations we’re encouraged to stand up and resist, but we are encouraged to RUN from sexual immorality!

“Flee from sexual immorality.” – I Corinthians 6:18

But when we run, whom do we run to?? I’ve known many men who when tempted sexually run TO things like pornography. How dumb! When a righteous person flees, they run TO the Lord! He is the only real place of safety and protection. I’ve known men that have difficulty in their marriages to run TO things like alcohol or stupid hobbies that end up consuming their life. It’s like jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire!

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7

We are called to resist the enemy. But notice in this passage, it’s only after we submit ourselves to God! Before you can resist the enemy like a grown up Christian, you must learn to flee to the Lord like a little child. Over the years I have worked on developing the habit of taking any and everything that troubles, tempts or tries me to the Lord. Yes, it’s humbling, but it’s exactly that humility that releases grace to help me! Jesus said that we should become like little children to enter the Kingdom.

“And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3

I remember when I was getting free from anxiety about finances I would take every little anxiety to Jesus, asking for His help and comfort. It was embarrassing to be that weak and needy, but I needed the peace that Jehovah Shalom provided! In running to Jehovah Shalom (Peace) I discovered that He was also Jehovah Jireh, my provider! These days, I am entirely FREE from anxiety regarding finances, I have run to Jehovah Jireh and He has comforted me!

LIFE LESSON:

Many folks are trying to bear up under something they need to run from.