God Runs

A few weeks ago, because I was crunched on time, I decided to leave my earbuds at home and, instead, spend that time with the Lord while I ran. The first time I decided to make this switch from audiobook to audio God, it was transformational! It completely rocked my world- so much so that I had to record a voice memo on my drive home so I wouldn't forget all that God whispered to me that morning. The voice memo was filled with awe, laughter, joyful tears, and continued epiphanies from The Lord. My ten minute drive home that morning didn't allow for me to voice all that God had revealed on our run. That was the day that running became about so much more than physical exercise.

The Conception of God Runs

If you are not a runner, please don't abandon me yet. This is not about running. The rhythmic beat of each footstep against the concrete is just the physical part and does not hold significance to what has really transpired. What has been happening spiritually is so much more profound. The very next morning, I sat out to run again and was astonished as, once more, God spoke so clearly and personally to me. He reminded me of His goodness and matchless provisions. He revealed some nagging sin that I am still seeking His help with each day. (More on this in a future post.) My Father laid on my heart a burden for others in need and spoke specifically about how I could better serve those individuals. He filled my heart with compassion, love, and a stronger desire to sincerely serve my co-workers. The divine messages just kept coming... on the next run, and the one after, and the one after that. I decided to call these my God Runs. They are so much more fulfilling than my audiobooks. I have never before heard from the Lord so clearly, so consistently, and so personally like I am now. But why? Why am I all of a sudden so tuned in to His still, small voice during my runs?

Moving, Still

Brace yourself! I'm about to come clean. My prayer time most often happens hastily after my Bible study (on days that I make time to read it), during my five minute drive to work, when I have a quick plea that I throw His way, or at night when I lay my head down. Let's think about that for just a minute. Sounds like a lot of distraction, mixed with some self-centered action, sprinkled with insincerity, and topped with a big, fat glob of "I'll talk real quick, Jesus, while you listen." Ugh! I'm ashamed to admit how many times I've been praying after my devotions or before bedtime and the Zzzzzs attack, making my eyelids feel like boulders.

What a visual hot mess this lays out for you. But it's been my reality. So what's different? How can my conversation with the Lord during a run be leaps and bounds more productive, sincere, and fruitful than these other times I've attempted to talk to Him? It struck me one day while I was running. I was moving...still. My body was moving, but my mind was still. There's no way I'm going to fall asleep while I'm running. (Chuckle at that mental picture for a moment.) I'm not going to answer an email, or a text message, or add to my grocery list while out on the open road. The distractions are stripped away. And I have time. No more five minute, scatterbrained, “here's what I have left” type of prayers. I have, literally, miles of time to quiet my mind and hear from Him. My God Runs are now filled with two-way, I can't wait to hear from Him, I would've never thought of that (insert open mouth surprised face) kind of prayer time with my Sweet Jesus. If you know me well, this will come as no surprise, but sometimes I am so overwhelmed by what the Lord is so clearly revealing to me that I begin to cry tears of joy and have to stop and walk to avoid hyperventilating. (It’s quite a scene.) Y'all, I stand/run amazed! These runs have literally changed my life. I have a hunger to spend time and meet with Him like I've never before experienced.

If you are not experiencing this type of companionship with our Heavenly Father, I hope you'll search for it. It doesn't have to be on a run. It could be while you are mowing, driving by yourself, folding laundry, walking, biking, or any other time when your mind is freed of distractions. You pick! It's not at all about the physical activity. It's about the spiritual exercise.

Jesus Led by Example

We don't know how many times Jesus retreated to a quiet place of solitude to pray, but we do know it was common for him. Luke 5:15-16 describes a scene that far exceeds my life full of distractions. Luke said, "Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."

Can you imagine? Crowds followed him all throughout his ministry- some followed to mock him, some followed him to learn from his teachings, some just wanted to meet him, and others wanted to be healed. I can't fathom the feeling of having twelve men as a constant entourage (allow me to admit that sometimes my four children seem too much) plus the crush of the crowds that always wanted something from him. But Jesus knew what was important and he did not let distractions get in the way.

He "withdrew." I believe that's been a huge part of my problem. I struggle to completely withdraw from everything and to truly be alone with Jesus . He truly gives us abundantly more when we're willing to withdraw, be alone with Him, and continuously seek His will in all we do. There is not a more fulfilling place to be than alone with The Giant. I hope you'll find your perfect place to "run" with Him.