Scripture

I wish I had wings like a dove, so I could fly far away and be at peace.

~Psalm 55:6, CEV

Quote

Some people live in a dream world while other face reality and a rare few learn to turn one into the other.

~Doug Everett

Escapism is the tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant circumstances or realities. We may achieve this relief through entertainment, recreation, hard work, drugs or fantasy. Usually, when a person get addicted to drugs, it is an effort to escape an unpleasant reality. In David’s case, his life was threatened by a friend who betrayed him and David came so close to death that he was terrified. In that moment of fear and anxiety, David prayed, “I wish I had wings like a dove, so I could fly away and be at peace.”

Hey, there is nothing wrong with David’s desire for peace and security. Only a fool would pray to be on someone’s hit list. A powerful person had a contract on David’s life and David was feeling very insecure. He longed to be like a bird because they have a distinct advantage over their predators and over we humans; they have wings. In seconds a dove can escape danger by taking flight. They can fly above the fray and they leave no tracts for those who would hunt them. Have you ever saw a dove in a storm? Birds don’t do storms; instinctively they fly away from or above the storms. They are the ultimate escape artist.

So, David is wishing he could be like a bird and escape his problems by getting away from the storm and the turmoil. BUT we are not birds and God is not pleased when we run from our problems. Little children use fantasy as an escape valve and that is a God given survival instinct but a part of growing up is learning to face reality whether it is pleasant or not. By the way, there is one bird that doesn’t fly away to escape reality, it buries its head in the sand. Its the Ostrich and it is a stupid bird. [Job 39:13-18]

So, don’t make excuses and don’t be childish, immature, or stupid–face your problems. It is not like you are alone, Jesus will help you. He is our courage and our peace.

Extra

I may have posted this old blog a couple of weeks ago, I hope not but if I did, please forgive me. I am not a multi-task person. I could not focus on anything yesterday other than my sisters COLS which went well. Of course I was nervous and uptight which is the mirror opposite of Tim Keenum. The boy would not know stress if it bit him on the neck. He did a great job as always, and Joe David did great at the grave side. The our pouring of love from the church and the meal following the COLS was unbelievable. All my children were in attendance and six of our nine grand children. I want to thank Tim and Sardis Springs one more time. We also appreciate the visits of so many from Grace Point and DBC. Gerri Cole attended the COLS and said it was the sweetest service she had ever been in. Thank you Gerri. I want to thank all of you for your prayers.

Got a text from Andrea yesterday. She and Lincoln are in Memphis this week. Pray for the Kallas family. Gregg and Holly got to have a chat the other night: please keep praying for them. Gregg is gaining weight PTL. I think we are going to stay in today and study. We normally visit on Wednesday but I am exhausted and I do need to study. Have a great day and thanks for reading the blog.