Running into the name of the Lord

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the [consistently] righteous man [upright and in right standing with God] runs into it and is safe, high [above evil] and strong. Proverbs 18:10 AMP

For me, this week has been a week of continually running into the name of the Lord. I can't think of any other place to run to that gives the peace and hope that Jesus gives, and gives so freely. Jesus, that is where our focus needs to be. When the negative thought comes, when the hope fades, Jesus is the name that needs to be on our lips.

​THEREFORE THEN, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,

Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Just think of Him Who endured from sinners such grievous opposition and bitter hostility against Himself [reckon up and consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you may not grow weary or exhausted, losing heart and relaxing and fainting in your minds.

Hebrews 12:1-3 AMP

Running this race can be hard and it can be long. For me, there really isn't any point in asking why? The only questions I find helpful are 'what good is God bringing out of this?' And 'where can I see God in the midst of this?' As soon as I start to seek the answers to these questions, hope and joy grow as I see evidence of God's love for us, and see His love working in us and through us. 

Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance.

And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith andtried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation.

Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5

Seeing the answers to those questions, reinvigorates me as I get a glimpse of God's heart for his people. There is no choice, the pity party has to end right then and there.

So then, brace up and reinvigorate and set right your slackened and weakened and drooping hands and strengthen your feeble and palsied and tottering knees,

And cut through and make firm and plain and smooth, straight paths for your feet [yes, make them safe and upright and happy paths that go in the right direction], so that the lame and halting [limbs] may not be put out of joint, but rather may be cured.

Hebrews 12:12-13 AMP

With my perspective realigned with God's perspective, I can begin again to run with purpose and direction.

Therefore I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary. 1 Corinthians 9:26 AMP

My heart is reminded that the name of the Lord is my strong tower. He will sustain us, and He will continue to bring good from these circumstances.

Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail). Psalm 55:22 AMP

Questions for today, in the difficult times where or who do you run to? I pray that the scriptures I have shared today will encourage you to run more often into the name of the Lord. He will sustain you.