If you’ve been around this neck of the woods for very long, you’ll remember that on Wednesdays, my buddy Jason and I (and any of you that want to join in) are discussing Craig Groeschel’s book The Christian Atheist. We welcome you to stay and chat whether you’ve read the book or not because really, the topics are relevant to most of us. My contribution to the discussion is below. At the end, I’ll give you a little link where you can go back to Jason’s site to continue the discussion. Also, he’ll have a widget up at his site so that if you’ve written a post that’s on this topic, you can link it. Now, just to confuse you a little… Normally, I’d have a turn NEXT week to have the widget, but I’m going to be out of town the next couple of weeks and so the widget will be staying with Jason while I’m gone. But y’all make sure to come by and challenge him on these topics since I won’t be able to keep him on his toes!
And now, Chapter 8 – When You Believe in God but Still Worry All the Time
When I read this chapter, I felt a little convicted. No more convicted than with any other chapter, but definitely convicted.
Almost not expecting a response, I tossed my question at God.
“Lord, do I worry all the time?”
His answer was startling and immediate.
“No. You don’t worry because you run.”
OUCH!
I couldn’t deny the truth of God’s words. I know I’m guilty. If anything overwhelms me, frightens me, or challenges me, I hide from it, ignore it, or run from it.
In this chapter, Mr. Groeschel talks about worry as being a lack of faith in God and being a control issue. And I can see that it’s true even in the times I have worried in my own life. But I also see how the Spirit of Run and Hide in me is indicative of the same things.
There are a lot of small examples in my life. Money is tight and so when the bills come, I still them in the bottom of my purse—where I find them weeks later. Worry about them? Absolutely not! I just avoid them—and God’s provision—instead.
Sadly, I fall prey to the Spirit of Run and Hide in some of my relationships, too. Several years ago, I had a very moody and argumentative roommate. Instead of confronting her about issues or behaviors that arose in the house, I sought to avoid her at all costs. Eventually, it reached a boiling point and I had to leave to keep my sanity and my health intact.
When the Spirit of Run and Hide rises up inside of me, I take shelter anywhere I can find it:
- Books
- Writing
- TV
- Social Media
- Substances (alcohol & pills)
- People
I know there are times and place that we need to take shelter for safety and sanity’s sake. But when we choose the wrong shelter or we use a shelter to hide from God, we just hurt ourselves even more. We prolong our own agony. And the consequences are going to be compounded on the other side of the experience.
For me, my goal is to run to God as my shelter. I want to let Him be my refuge and strength and ever-present help in time of trouble.
Do you ever run and hide when you’re stressed, frightened, or overwhelmed? How can we learn to run to God instead of other people/things?
Remember to go by Jason’s site to continue the discussion! (And while you’re there, check out his new site! I think it’s pretty snazzy!)
Oh… I know EXACTLY what you are talking about. I have GOT to get that credit card bill out and be brave enough to open it.
I don’t run and hide. I just pick a fight with someone.
Anyone.
Doesn’t have to have anything to do with the problem, it’s just easier to fight.
So I guess you could say I stand still, and hide.
I don’t run and hide, but I do shut up and shut down. Totally appreciate your honesty on this post Sarah.
I am not one to run and hide… I just stress and stress until it makes me physically sick.
Yeah definitely under conviction to work on my worrying.
Still loving this book.
@Duane – Why am I not surprised that we are alike in this way? 🙂
@Sharkbait- I’ve never thought about it that way. I wonder how many other people I know that use fighting as a coping mechanism? I can think of at least one other, off the top of my head… Thanks for sharing!
@Michael- I’ve been known to shut up and shut down, too. For example, I have a tendency to be very, very quiet in stressful situations. And if you knew me, you’d know that me being very, very quiet is totally extraordinary! Also, if I’m confronted with something highly emotional and feel too vulnerable or threatened (physically or emotionally) I do shut down or walk out. So, how do we overcome that?
@Dusty- This book has kicked my tail! But in a good way. If God uses the tail-kicking to take me to another level, it will make it worth the pain. 🙂
I identify with you here (a lot). As I said in my post, I’ve taken up worrying for others but I don’t worry as much for myself. I have, however, run (at least mentally) from whatever the issue was personally (whether it’s emotional, spiritual, financial, whatever). None of it’s any good! Thanks Sarah- love this.
I want God to be shelter too…