Figuring Out What We Are Running From And Running To

Author and cartoonist James Thurber once made this insightful observation about life: “All men should strive to learn before they die, what they are running from, and to, and why” (source).

The psalmist Asaph knew what he was running from. He had lived in doubt near the neighborhood of despair. He also knew what he was running to and why. He sang, “It is good for me to draw near to God …. that I may declare all Your works” (Psalm 73:28). A few verses earlier, he said, “You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory” (Psalm 73:24).

We must also find out what we’re running to. Some people are competing for temporary fame and fortune. They are like passengers who are fighting for the best seats on a train headed for nowhere. Others plan for their retirement — but not for old age or beyond death.

Beloved, have we figured out what we are running from? More important, do we know what we are running to? (Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets