4 Reasons to stop running from God

Read Psalm 32.

Running from God never works.  Where could one possibly go to avoid an omnipresent LORD?

Francis Thompson titled his book, The Hound of Heaven.  In love, He pursues us.  He loves us too much to allow us to continue in sin and disobedience.

Like all of us, David learned this lesson the hard way.  When he "kept silent" about what he did wrong, he paid an emotional, even physical price (vv.3-4).  He recognized it as God trying to get his attention to deal with his sin.  Things turned completely around when "I acknowledged my sin to you, and did not cover my iniquity."

The one who chooses to go their own way becomes hardened and seared in their conscience toward spiritual things.  As a stubborn mule, eventually they must be reined in by others.  Freedom comes through confession.

Confession means to agree with God about the wrong.  The results include:

1.  Forgiveness! (v.5)

Even the Pharisees of Jesus day understood that no one can forgive sins but God. (Luke 5:20-21)  The Old Testament saints offered sacrifices of blood in order to symbolically cover their sin (v.1).  When Messiah appeared as the Lamb of God, He took away the sin of the world once and for all. (John 1:29)

2. A hiding place. (v.7)

With fellowship with God restored, He becomes our place of safety and comfort rather than someone to avoid.

3. Guidance for life. (v.8)

So many people wander around through life without direction or satisfaction.  God offers personal instruction and counsel.

4. Faithful love. (v.10)

Without the LORD, people are bound to look for love in all the wrong places.  Those who put their trust in the LORD will find Him ever faithful no matter what.