As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. Mark 9:13
In last week’s blog we explored Mark 7:37 and how the crowds were overwhelmed with amazement at Jesus and His miracles. Today’s verse continues the same thought and adds that the people took action. They ran to Him.
I don’t know that I’ve ever really seen this verse so stark in its beauty before now.
In our overwhelming journeys of life, we run to our various and wonderful activities and to people and leisure.
We run to:
Food
Church ministries
Work
Games
Parties
Gatherings
Sports events
Sunsets
Pets
Music
Art
Play and relaxation
Television
Sleep
Hobbies
Children or spouse
Friends or peers
We also run to alcohol, boredom, negativity, anger or illness
Most of these bring us hearts full of joy and rightly so. We were made to live in community! We process our thoughts and heal while pursuing restful and calming activities.
Obviously, the poor choices I mentioned can ruin and waste our precious moments. Paying attention to what we value most helps us to be intentional with what we do in our season of trials.
However, when we are restless, wanting our pain to be gone (now!) all the pursuits of this list pale in comparison to the gift we have of running to our sweet Savior, Jesus.
We may not receive the quick resolution, but a resolution is not always what we need. We receive something far better: the Lord’s presence, His comfort and care. In fact, sometimes, any one thing on this list might even be a distraction from receiving what we truly need from Him, who is our best possible hope. Running to Him and bowing before His supreme love and sacrifice can move us to be open about having replenished and softened hearts (as opposed to staying in a habit [stuck] in our struggles). With His healing touch, we have more energy and stamina to be His hands and voice to a world in need.
The older I become, the more I realize: God wants us to lay everything (EVERYTHING) at His feet. He wants us to trust (truly TRUST) Him with why we must go through these struggles.
The beauty of pouring our anxieties and griefs out to Jesus is that, many times, His care for us will include His provision (at just the right moment) of a friend, a delicious plate of food, a day or week of rest or an inspirational movie that reminds us of who we are in Him. Healing through Jesus is pure and right and eventually stands us back up on our feet to fulfill His great callings. However, when we reach out on our own to manipulate food, friends, children or spouses (without Jesus) for the purpose of a quick fix of our problems, it only ends in more grief, sadness and restlessness. Jesus is the answer to everything, always! He has a way of bringing us peace even in our darkest moments.
Jesus, we run to you this day, first. Before we even think about all the other places of refuge, your name comes to mind. Let this become our greatest habit, our deepest desire. Bring healing to our souls and give us eyes to see you with clarity. Give us the heart of a child who wouldn’t hesitate to run to you, Lord. Make us aware of those who need your strength through us this day and give us all we need in our weakness to be a light. In Jesus name, we worship you. Amen.