Fleeing the Presence of the Lord

Jonah was running away. But not running from his friends or enemies. He was not trying to escape traditions or the expectations of his family. He wasn’t running away from the concept of God, or what he might have heard about Him.

No. The Bible makes clear that Jonah was fleeing from the presence of the Lord (stressed twice in these opening verses). From God Himself!

He knew that God had spoken to him, and given him a specific assignment. He might have tried to block this thought, but, deep down, he could not escape that fact. What was the answer? To stop running and again come face-to-face with God.

Generations earlier, David had realized that we cannot run from God, that there is no place where we can flee from His presence, even “in the remotest part of the sea” (Psalm 139:7-10). In the belly of a great fish Jonah was forced to stop running, and to seek His face anew.

This message applies to every Believer. It starts with a realization that God wants to have a personal relationship with each of us. That we might seek His presence, and realize that each person is special in His sight, with unique resources and talents, and specific assignments.

Today, remember these lessons. Don’t run from God, but seek His presence. Don’t just think or read about Him, but go directly to Him. Make Him your highest priority. There, in His presence, you will be renewed and refreshed. He will give you clarity and wisdom. And you will be armed with His power and equipped with His Spirit.