Stop Running
Do you ever feel stressed or pressured, feel like running away? It's a common response to encountering stress. The world we live in is not for the faint of heart. For people of faith, for those who look to God, it's difficult to stay on course and not be tempted to withdraw and get away from everything and everyone. We are bombarded with agendas and ideas that are antithetical to our faith every day, and some may feel like running is the only solution. Besides, the temptations are all around us, and in the culture, the majority of people seem to be headed in a direction away from the LORD. Some of us may even feel like Joseph, who needs to flee from Potiphar's wife. Should we flee to save ourselves? Maybe... But running is only a temporary solution.
King Shlomo calls us to find the strength and courage to stand firm on the path of righteousness, even if that makes us different or a target. If we need to run, we run. But we need to make sure we're running for a good and sensible reason, because the option of courageously standing our ground could be a better one. So may we judge each scenario sensibly.
Proverbs 28:1 says, “The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are bold as a lion.”
The lion-like boldness that this verse speaks of comes from confidence in God. Being dauntless, brave, and confident is a trait of those who walk the path of righteousness because they actually have nothing to fear. Why does King Solomon say that “the wicked flee when no one is chasing them?” Those who live without Hashem’s direction in their lives are driven and guided not by Torah or values but by circumstances. Their path is extremely flexible as they are always reacting to what happens around them. They adjust to new cultural trends, adapt to new ideals, and measure up to emerging standards of success. Such a way of experiencing the world can indeed lead to paranoia, to running when no one is chasing you.
It's normal and natural to want to be a part of this big, beautiful world we live in, to be a part of the broader community around us. And we don’t always prefer to be in disagreement and contrary to others around us, but sometimes we must. Sometimes we must decisively part ways with others, walk away, and not join them in their pursuits because we know that our path is different and we cannot be like everyone else. We embrace values that do not change, and we hold fast to the standards we did not invent. We can't adjust in this area and adapt our way out of this.
We, religious people, may be labeled as "old-fashioned" at times, but that is our stability. The righteous are called to live with confidence, with boldness and trust in their strength, as lions do. Lions are rarely afraid because when it comes to predators, they are at the top. Those who base their lives on faith in one who is much greater than the world have nothing to fear in the grand scheme of things. They know the true source of their strength even if it is hidden. So the next time the pressure comes, before you decide to run, pause, pray, and consider seriously if you should. Because maybe it's time to stand your ground as a lions do.
40 Days of Hebrew Devotions
From Amazon customer: “40 DAYS of HEBREW DEVOTIONS, focuses on one daily Bible passage with a short discussion of significant Hebrew words… including a transliteration of pronunciation, & the meanings. A prayer using a Hebrew communal format ends the day's devotional. To read in one sitting (as I did last night for starters) & to use it as a daily devotional for 40 days or more, becomes a spiritual & intellectual journey, providing greater insights into these Scriptures than previously known. I recommend it for persons of either Jewish or Christian faiths or even people who are interested in historical cultural understanding.” Another reader’s review: “..this book helps take a deep dive in a way I can understand. Worth every penny I paid.” Another Amazon reader: “This book is for English readers, however it includes a lot of beginner-style Hebrew in it. It's a great, short daily read that is only about five minutes, and you find yourself thinking about it the rest of the day. I love this book.”