When You Want to Run Away
Running Away
Text: Psalm 55
Big Idea: When you want to run away, run to God.
Purpose: To encourage people to find comfort in Chirst in the midst of strife.
Introduction:
We all face a common desire to run away.
Dealing with disappointments in life
-getting away from hassles, lies
-tired of new reports of scandals
-weary of arguments, bickering
-feeling like we are incapable of doing what we think should be done
*Sooner or later, most people feel a desire to run away.
-most do not act on it
-some would not even identify it as running away
-use different language - take a break, get away for a while
-sometimes we feel like quitting our current status
-marriage, job, volunteer commitment
-because frustrations pile up
When I say “run away”
-I do not mean merely packing up your bags, and moving to a new stat
(although I have known people who did that)
-we want to “check out”
-as innocuous as planning time to “veg out” in front of TV – channel surfing
-a few moments to think about something other than life circumstances
-could be having a few drinks to take our minds off of things
-searching the internet chatrooms for an hour
-run to the mall – to take a break
-or run into the arms of someone other than a spouse – for personal comfort
David knew that desire
He talked about it in Psalm 55
-wishing he could get away from the garbage that was plaguing his life
We will see some of the dynamics that brought this desire
-and how David responded – in a way that helped him grow in God’s Grace
Sermon Body:
Movement 1: *David wanted to run away
Unlike some of the Psalms of Lament – not sure of specific incident in his life
-although not difficult to imagine that he faced a trying time
-appears to be after he became king
1. Because of his personal trials (2-4)
-the enemy is closing in on him
-this is a common theme in the Psalms
-should dispel the idea
-that if we love God - life will always be good
-David - man after God's heart
-favored as king - considered a righteous king
-yet his heart often ached
-chased by Saul before he became King
-known as a soldier, brave warrior
-had his own son try to overthrow Him
-in many ways, a life of trials
-and He was a King
If you are looking for spiritual success
-and think it means good times - life free from trials
-you are expecting the wrong thing
-God can bless, give you Himself – use you
-and you will still face the sin of this world
-and want to run away
Not only desire to run from personal struggles
-but saddened by the suffering of others
2. Because the people were suffering (9-11)
-not only was David suffering, the people suffered too
-we often want to get away from the trials of others
-news reports cause our stomachs to turn
-hurting of others - takes a toll on us
Ever had it – when life is going well
-but you feel guilty about things going well, because friends are so sad
-ever wept for someone else’s grief
David – saddened by the grief – of the people – His people (as a king)
-must be the same quality of sadness a parent sees
-adult children are struggling
-little you can do about it – feel the burden of it
3. Because of a friend's betrayal (12-14)
-he could handle enemies - but this guy was a friend
-when people closest to you let you down - or turn on you
-life can seem to hard to bear
Consider verse 6 - the desire to fly away, like a bird
-that is a common desire
-not even to be bound by gravity
-to have he freedom from normal boundaries
Movement 2: *Instead of running away, David ran to God. (vs. 16-19)
*We benefit from the daily practice of running to God.
-comment on church success - not in programs
-but in hearts of people - take responsiblity of running to God, seeking Him
We come looking for comfort - a word from preacher, from Bible
-should come as a process of looking all week
-seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart
-regular process of seeking will not go empty
-though it may test your patience
God will ransom you - free you from the distress
-can we start with the perspective of trusting
-then the question will not be, will He save me
-but How will he save me
-what will I learn
-what am I clinging to - that He does not have in store for me
He will rescue - though the battle be costly
-and you will see what you did not need
Movement 3: *We can cast our cares upon God because.
1. He will make all things right
-those who torment – cause the desire to run away
-will not have the last laugh
-a promise – that seems far away
-but a promise we must cling to
-the desire to run – will seem powerful
-but the trial that brings that desire will not last
-God will set things right
IN THE MEANTIME…
2. He promises to sustain us
-sustain – is just give us enough to get through the struggle
-it is not a glorious word
-but it is a comforting word – He carries us through
-it feels less than victorious
-but it gets us through
Illustration: Derek Redmond – 400 meter racer in Barcelona, 1992 Olympics
-semifinal round – pulled ahead of the pack in the first part of the race
175 meters to go – heard a pop – led would not move
-fell to the track – torn hamstring
-hope of Olympic medal was dashed
-but wanted to finish
Stood up – hopping on good leg in pain – other racers long past finish line
-did not hobble off the track – determined to finish the race
-crowd was amazed at this desire
-man from the stands – his father – came to meet Him
-put arm around waist and said,
“I’m here son, we’ll finish together.”
-walked the last 120 meters
-and Derek crossed the finish line
-in front of 65,000 witnesses – screaming, cheering, even crying
Derek didn’t win – but His father carried him
-that’s the hope we have of our Father Sustaining us
Jim – today you professed your faith
-you came to a point in your life – could have run
-this year – sadness came to your life
-but you did not run away
The love of God grabbed you
-and instead of running away
-you ran to God
-and your father is sustaining you
We are here – elated, cheering at the love of the father
Happy for you
-but also at peace ourselves
Because the God and Father – who is carrying you
-is our God and Father – will see us through
We are reminded today
-that when we want to run away
-we have a better place to go
-When we run to God
Conclusion:
Comments and Observations:
In this text, the Psalmist is taking his private thoughts to God. He speaks of his depression and hard times. He is in anguish and afraid. He wants to run away from His responsibilities, because it all seems like too much for the moment.
The circumstances for this Psalm - it appears enemies are mounting up against David, and his friends are acting treacherously. We don't know if this was when Absalom was rebelling, but that story fits the kind of problems discussed in Psalm 55.
In this passage, the Psalmist prays for justice toward enemies, complains about the lack of loyalty from friends, and asks God to take care of his concerns. The problems at hand seem to be secondary to the way they are affecting David.
This would be a good Psalm to talk about with stress.
Sometimes it doesn't matter what the circumstances are - we cannot just "get over" our struggles. We may eventually overcome, but I know almost no one who just decided to get over struggles and then succeeded, without intervention from God (have hear of this happening with prayer).
The desire to run away can be relatively common, it may seem sad, but many people have some point in their lives when they think it would be nice to get away from their current life situation - even if for a brief vacation. Some want to get away on a more permanent basis.
Rather than running away from our circumstances, we run to God.
Passage Outline:
David wants to run away:
1. Because of what's happening to him (2-8)
2. Because of what's happening to the people (9-11)
3. Because of the betrayal of a friend (12-14)
David wants to fly away like a bird (6)
Instead of Running away, David runs to God.
1. He does this daily (17)
2. He invites us to join him in this practice because:
-a. God will sustain us
-b. God will not let the righteous be shaken forever
3. David trusts God to take care of his enemies