How To Change Directions When You Want To Run Away
Maybe it was the scent of cologne and smoke that has me curious about stories. What drives us to run out here in the Kentucky humidity? What’s the pull to wake early on a Saturday when the feels-like temperature is already over eighty?
There’s silent solidarity amongst the walkers, runners, and bikers. We encourage each other onward with a nod. These are people not running away from something but chasing down something worth the exertion.
It makes all the difference, doesn’t it, whether we’re running away from or towards something?
One feels like friction, the other like invitation.
One feels like failure licking at our heels, the other like movement itself is a win.
I slow to a walk beneath the cloudless sky, pondering a question: When have I been the one running from something?
From a decision I didn’t want to make.
From conflict I’d rather avoid.
From a yes that felt too costly.
From a necessary no that could disrupt the peace.
I’ve been the skeptic, the cost-calcululator, the naysayer, the contingency plan creator. I’ve been the entertainer of irrational fears. The one with an over-active imagination.
Maybe you’ve been this person too.
Running Motivation
If you and I had a slow afternoon to chat, we’d settle into the cozy corner of a coffee shop and I’d ask, What is it for you that makes you want to run away?
Because until we know which direction we’re running, we can’t change our trajectory. We’ve got to become more consumed with what we’re moving toward than what we fear. Set our eyes on what’s ahead and chase it down like it matters most to us.
This begs a very important question: What is worth running toward?
I find Romans 12 to be chock-full of answers. Here are a few from The Voice translation:
- “Be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind” (v. 2)
- “It is important that we exercise the gifts we have been given” (v. 6).
- “Pursue what is good as if your life depends on it” (v. 9)
- “Take every opportunity to open your life and home to others” (v. 13)
- “If it is in your power, make peace with all people” (v. 18).
Note the urgency in Paul’s words. If anything is worth running toward, it’s the things that shape our lives in the likeness of Christ.
Let’s take a deeper look.
5 Things to Run Toward
1–Renewing Our Minds
While the world influences from the outside, Jesus transforms from the inside–which is why we need His Word within us.
Want to silence the lies staking ground inside your mind? Find clarity on a decision that feels weighty? Know what God thinks about and what He promises you? Get to know the voice of Jesus by spending time in His Word, the Bible. This is how He renews your mind and reverses your direction when you’re veering off course.
Imagine what would happen if you approached Scripture with awe and delight, like it’s a priceless treasure! What might change for you if you ran towards Jesus by regularly reading His Word?
2–Exercising Our Gifts
In a world of superficiality, Christ beckons us to chase down authentic, radical love. “Love others well,” Paul urges us in Romans 12:9, “and don’t hide behind a mask; love authentically.” This verse follows Paul’s examples of how to love the people around us well by using our God-given gifts. (God gives gifts to us because He’s a good Father and so that we would glorify Him with them.)
If prophesy is your gift, then speak as a prophet according to your portion of faith. If service is your gift, then serve well. If teaching is your gift, teach well. If you have been given a voice of encouragement, then use it often. If giving is your gift, then be generous. If leading, then be eager to get started. If sharing God’s mercy, then be cheerful in sharing it.
– Romans 12:6-8
Sometimes, to steer clear of all that’s been labeled as selfish, we minimize our gifts. But the truth is that it is not selfish to use the gifts God gives you to bless and point others around you to Him. It honors God and helps others find Him. So lean in and practice using your spiritual gifts.
3–Pursuing the Good
When we find ourselves facing the wrong direction, seeking to fill the heart with what will never last, Paul’s wisdom is a welcome invitation. “Despise evil,” he says, and run hard after what’s good (v. 9). Chase it down like your very “life depends on it” (v. 9).
Paul’s not talking about aimless running here, but fierce intentionality. Serving the Lord with our “[spirits] . . . on fire” (v. 11).
But what sort of things does Paul suggest are good? Brotherly and sisterly love, selflessness, faithfulness, and diligence (vs. 10-11). Loving deeply, trusting God, and honoring Him with our work are worthy of ardent pursuit.
4–Opening Your Life and Home
Yet another thing we’re to run toward is a front door “easy on its hinges,” to borrow a line from Shannan Martin. It looks like a heart, home, and life opened up to others. Hospitality. Engaged conversation. What God’s doing inside us overflowing organically to those around us.
Don’t miss an opportunity to invite others in, encourages Paul (v. 13). Lean hard into relationships. He who leads us is a relational God who loves every person He places on our paths.
5–Becoming a Peacemaker
Finally, we can change directions when we run towards peacemaking. Everywhere possible, bring the peace of Jesus. Invite His peace into the middle of the things that empty or break you. Pursue peace in situations where it’s missing. Ask for God’s peace to lead, comfort, and connect. Pray for peace for your friends, your family, and yourself.
Jesus, who is peace, lives within you. It’s not up to you to distill contention and bring peace. You simply chase after Him and let Him have His way in you.
A Blessing Over Your Running Motivation
I’ll leave you with a prayer of blessing.
Jesus, be our running motivation. The one we’re chasing.
May all of our running take us towards You.
When we want to run away in fear, may we change directions and run right into Your arms instead.
Renew our minds as we read Your Word.
Draw others to You as we use the gifts You’ve given us.
Ignite a fire inside us to pursue the things of You.
Overflow through us as we open our doors.
Bring Your peace as we let You have Your way in us.
In Your name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Just a friend over here in your corner,
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