There’s been one too many times in my life I’ve had the overwhelming urge to “make a run for it.” I’ve actually seen a few people do this lately, selling out, packing up, and moving away in search of a new thing…in search of peace. Running from something or someone or themselves…leaving behind all they know, leaving family and friends.

We all entertain thoughts of this kind of great escape at times. We yearn to burn all the bridges, cut ties, and start over. Maybe we even want to just burn “it” all down in one dramatic cleansing moment of frustration.

Looking back, I remember running away, making a dramatic “move” of some sort to escape the circumstances I’d found myself in. But, this kind of impulsive “move” in life rarely pans out the way we want it to. The newness of the new thing or place always wears off. We are then left with just another daily grind.

The universal truth is, wherever we go and where ever we live, some things are absolutely the same. There will always be someone we can’t tolerate or who challenges us more than we care to deal with. There will always be conflicts of some sort. There will always be things that must be done that brings about the “daily grind.” There will still be bad weather and environmental difficulties over which we are helpless. The grass or pavement on the other side of all fences may be different and enticing but isn’t always better.

The deep restlessness many feel comes from discontent. The cure for discontent is finding the source of true joy. Truth is…that peace and that joy only comes from within and being filled with God’s Holy Spirit is the only way to successfully fill in all those aching empty places in our hearts.

I’m thankful that we don’t have to trek far to find this kind of joy and peace in life. We can  find it “being still” and letting God’s goodness and mercy catch up with us. “Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell forever {throughout all my days} in the house and in the presence of the Lord.”(Psalm 23:6 AMP)

However, if life leads you to wander for the pure joy of seeing and enjoying God’s great “wonders” then do so with gusto! And if your heart leads you to wander far from your usual stomping grounds in desire to serve God, then trust Him with  your adventures and go bravely in that direction!

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in You. (Isaiah 26:3)

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)

Blesses are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God (Matt. 5:9)