The first time I decided to run away from home was shortly after my only sister was born. You see, I was the firstborn grandchild on both sides of my family, my parents’ firstborn, and the most spoiled child you have ever seen. For almost five years, I ruled the roost and suddenly the roost had been invaded by a child with naturally curly hair and lungs that wouldn’t quit. Her crying was the last straw.

I couldn’t take it anymore, so I packed up my little suitcase with necessities like my umbrella, a box of Kleenex and a quarter. I tied the cord on my chenille bathrobe, donned my slippers and announced to mom and dad that it was nice knowing them and walked out the door. We lived on the top floor of a four story apartment building. I don’t think I got down one flight of stairs before I realized they didn’t even act surprised or say a word. It wasn’t long before I walked back through that door and forgot about running away for a while.

It seemed to be natural behavior for me. I tried it a few times after that to no avail. At one point, my dad offered to help me pack. I guess they were getting used to it by that time. Whenever things weren’t going my way, I thought the best thing to do was escape from the thing that was bugging me. I’d hide in a closet when I didn’t want to confront – especially if I knew I was the cause of the problem.

I wonder how often God has to deal with us in this way. He has His finger on the pulse of every one in His creation. He knows where we are, who we’re with, what we’re up to and how to bring us back home. No matter how hard we try to run away, we can’t escape from God.

most of us like to think that we’re in control. We don’t need anyone’s help – especially someone we can’t see. Our human nature and society tells us we can do things on our own and we alone are responsible for ourselves.

It can be kind of daunting to imagine that someone is watching our every move – following our footsteps – setting the path and direction for our lives – observing our mistakes and unfaithfulness. On the other hand, He is guiding us with His right hand – protecting us from falling into danger – lifting us out of depression and anxiety – holding us through the dark days of temptation – loving us unconditionally.

We can’t run away from God and why would we want to?