I must have been 4 or 5 when I had the bright idea that I was faster than my dad. I remember we were outside the farm shop; it was an open area when I “popped off” with one of my, “I’m not going to do that!” responses. Then the “He’s too old to catch me” idea took over my thinking.

I took 2, maybe 3 steps when I began dangling in the air. Dad merely reached out and palmed my head, just like an NBA Basketball player. The running was over.

This memory came to me yesterday while teaching our Sunday School class. It was about a conversation God had with Moses which is found in Numbers 11. Moses was exasperated by the non-stop grumbling and complaining of the people. He had had enough. Then God responds in verse 23 with a touch of sarcasm, “The Lord answered Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm too short?”

This is a profound question. It goes to the very heart of our relationship with Him. We can find ourselves drifting away…even running from Him with our wrong thinking.

Now listen to the words from David’s heart found in Psalm 145:5-6, “I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness.” When we do this, something incredible happens. We get His gift. David described it in Psalm 16:11 “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” Joy, not happiness the world proclaims. No, it’s the indescribable Joy found in good times and bad. Joy comes only from God’s very long arm & His loving & powerful hand.

Isn’t it time to stop running?