Escape

I remember watching the movie called “The Great Escape” when I was a young kid. I have been fascinated with movies of escape for many years. I also realize that watching a movie is an escape of sorts. When I go to see a good movie, I often feel like the world stopped for a couple of hours. I’m not an avid movie watcher, but occasionally a movie will come along, and I’ll pay the “big bucks” to see it in the theatre.

King David pens a psalm about fear that is wreaking havoc on his heart. He really wants to escape. I do understand fear and I’ve seen panic attacks up close. I’m still learning to keep fear in check because I will often talk to the Lord about it. I will also seek wise counsel and perspective on my fear. Sometimes things I’m fearful about, actually happen, but the result is not nearly as detrimental as I had imagined. I don’t think it’s a good idea to run from fear. David’s idea of escape often feels like a good choice, but the fears often somehow find us wherever we are. Check this out….

⁴ My heart pounds in my chest.
    The terror of death assaults me.
⁵ Fear and trembling overwhelm me,
    and I can’t stop shaking.
⁶ Oh, that I had wings like a dove;
    then I would fly away and rest!
⁷ I would fly far away
    to the quiet of the wilderness.
⁸ How quickly I would escape—
    far from this wild storm of hatred. (Psalm 55:4-8 NLT)

I recently heard a great podcast on “Your Move”by Andy Stanley about fearing less. I was reminded that I believe in God, WHO can defeat any fear I might face. I believe that God’s Presence in me can put fear in its place. If I fear anything or anyone, I should fear and respect God and His Power. God’s Presence and God’s Power is in me because of Jesus. I don’t need to fear anything.

I’m learning every day to trust Him more and more. As I read His Word, He speaks into my heart words of Presence, Peace & Power. I don’t have to fear what others say about me or what others can do to me. I don’t have to fear death. I don’t have to fear disease. The Lord is with me and He is stronger and tougher than any fear I could face. I don’t need to escape my fears, I need to face them with the Lord.

Pressing On!

Dwayne