“And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.” (Psalm 55:6-8)
Some things we wish would stop; others we want to begin. The world we face is so often not to our liking. To exit our pain and displeasure we find cubbyholes of pleasure to enter into. “Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.” (Prov. 31:7) Addictions form as a shield to suffering. We hate life as it is; we imagine another life – “somewhere over the rainbow” – where we could be happy at last. But, “the good life” is not found in a perfect set of circumstances; it is found in an intimacy with God, no matter our circumstance. “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)
When sorrow would descend upon us what do we do? Where do we go to alleviate our melancholy? Our way of escape is not God’s way of escape. We simply want out. Our desperation and panic only builds as we return from our temporary “vacations” from reality and find ourselves facing the same old same old. “How long, oh Lord!?”
Lasting rest cannot be found in getting away from an unpleasant situation. One difficulty may end, but another is sure to take its place. Jesus calls us to come to Him to find rest for our souls. He is God’s way of escape. In the midst of the life that is ours we are to find refuge and strength in Him.
Happiness is elusive. Life rarely cooperates to make us happy. But peace and joy can always be ours if Jesus is our every day Destination. Where will you go today when you long to “get away” from it all? Get wings and fly away to Jesus. Sit as His feet. Learn of Him. Then re-enter your world refreshed and ready to go.