Sometimes we just want to get away – away from places, people, worries. We want to flee, to escape, because things have become unbearable. Our faith tells us it is okay to want this; it’s how monasticism started. The ancient monks were fed up with what they saw and experienced, and fled into the desert, far away from everybody and everything. They trusted what the Psalms say:
Free me from the net they have set for me, for you are my refuge. Psalm 31:5
God is our refuge. There is a place where we can go. Certainly, they experienced that they could not escape from themselves. Their ego, their weaknesses, the paradoxes of their lives would follow them wherever they went, almost mercilessly. There is no way to get away from ourselves. Here, again, we receive consolation through our faith:
Where can I go from your spirit? From your presence, where can I flee? If I ascend to the heavens, you are there; if I lie down in Sheol, there you are. If I take the wings of dawn and dwell beyond the sea, even there your hand guides me, your right hand holds me fast. If I say, “Surely darkness shall hide me, and night shall be my light”, darkness is not dark for you, and night shines as the day. Psalm 139:7-12
Who is there, when I am away, when I am even disconnected from myself? Who is there beyond myself, beyond my limits? It is God. In Him I can become myself again and be at peace. I think of Jonah who tried to escape from his call. God mercifully sent the whale and brought him back where he belonged. There are so many ways nowadays to escape; some ways are better than others. To escape into drugs, for example, can be disastrous. God doesn’t want us to be harmed on our flight. It is okay to be away. However, when we don’t want to see anymore, we still should not flee blindly. The light is finally awaiting us.
My Lord and my God, you know that sometimes I would like to flee, to be beamed onto the moon. But these are just moments. It is okay to feel this way. You are my hiding place. You are my refuge. Your loving eyes follow me, your fatherly hand holds me, your motherly heart walks with my wandering heart until it finds rest in you.
Wilde Monk 
Beautiful. Healing. Amen
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I feel this so much, it seems more with each passing day. Sometimes I want to be alone because I am afraid and I just can’t handle “the world” any more. Sometimes I feel lonely and the only response seems to be seeking solitude, which really doesn’t make sense, but it calls me. When I am away, I feel at peace. There is nothing in the way between God and I and I feel His presence so intensely. There is no escape from him so I must let myself go to Him, fall into his arms and rest there, float on the grace of his presence. It is indeed ok, and good, to be away. Thank you for this beautiful reflection, Mauritius. Denise
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I think, we should resist to flee from the world and its darkness. We better stay and work hard to become so amazingly strong and bright that we will be able to open doors and gates, so that heaven can come in and fight for us.
Nothing will ever change the world, if we abandon it. We are part of it, physically, emotionally and mentally, and we cannot flee from ourselves. Let just the spirit flee to its divine source as often as possible. But it has to come back each time to do this work inside of us. Spirit will open the gates through us, so that His Kingdom can come.
I desire, that the day will come on earth “when darkness is not dark for you, and night shines as the day”. What a wonder-wonder-beautiful Psalm! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Gisela
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“Be prepared to suffer for me, in My name. All suffering has meaning in My kingdom. Pain and problems are opportunities to demonstrate your trust in Me. Bearing your circumstances bravely – even thanking Me for them – is one of the highest forms of praise. (…….)
When suffering strikes, remember that I am sovereign and that I can bring good out of everything. Do not try to run from pain or hide from problems. Instead, accept adversity in My name, offering it up to Me for My purposes. Thus, your suffering gains meaning and draws you closer to Me. Joy emerges from the ashes of adversity through your trust and thankfulness. (Psalm 107:21-22;James 1:2-4)”
This is an excerpt from the today’s devotional in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young..
Have a good morning, America. Enjoy your day in the light of His presence!
Greetings from Germany.
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Thank you so much for this beautiful insight. This confirms how I feel right now-to be away. I felt so at ease when you have written- it’s okay! I should have felt guilty that maybe it was wrong to feel that way. This blog is a blessing. Thank you Jesus!
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