Carefully tucked away in one of the synthetic leather CD cases in our attic is a song by the group Xscape that posed a profound question: “Who can I run to?”
I find myself asking that question today.
Because I’m sad.
It was an emotionally tough day. On my way out of the office, I passed a bucket of candy and I reeeally wanted to run to some chocolate.
But in that moment the Holy Spirit whispered to me that I am welcome to anything I can enjoy in God, but what I cannot do is seek something from anyone or anything else—that’s idolatry.
Consider 1 Corinthians 6:12,
“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful.
All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”
Whatever my heart is set on—in other words, whatever my heart desires—is where my heart is. If it is set on worldly things, it leads to death (overeating, futile attempts at comfort through other profitless pursuits, a downward spiral of disappointment, etc.); but if it is set on the Spirit, it leads to life and peace (Romans 8:6).
I know this from painful experience.
So, who can I run to?
I chose (this time, at least) to deny myself and refused to allow another to comfort me.
I have a Comforter (John 14:16).
I cry out and run to Him.
I will wait faithfully on the Lover of my soul.
There are many things I want to run to: my wife, achievement, food, sex, acceptance, entertainment, etc., etc., but allowing these things to ever occupy a space that only belongs to God—in this case, as my refuge and strong tower—is how my heart begins to be turned from God and is led astray, and is the beginning of sorrows.
Example:
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
— 1 Timothy 6:10