Stop Running, Start Returning

Eric Thompson •
September 16, 2026

2 Minute Read

ocus Verse: Psalm 139:7

"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?"

Adam heard God walking in the garden and ran the other direction. It is almost hard to believe — the God who made him, who walked with him, who gave him everything, came near, and Adam's first instinct was to hide. But before you shake your head at Adam, consider how many times you have done the same thing. Sin happened, shame moved in, and suddenly church felt like the last place you wanted to be. Prayer felt impossible. You went quiet on God.

The painful irony is that running from God does not reduce your shame. It multiplies it. Distance from God does not make the guilt lighter. It makes the weight unbearable. God's question in the garden was not an accusation. It was an invitation. "Where are you?" He already knew the answer. He was giving Adam the chance to stop hiding and start coming home. That same invitation is extended to you today. Whatever you have done, wherever you have gone, God is not waiting at the door with a list of grievances. He is waiting with grace. You do not have to sneak back. You can run straight to him.

Today's Challenge: If there is an area of your life where you have gone quiet with God, bring it to him today in prayer — no excuses, no blame, just honesty.

Prayer: Father, I admit that I have sometimes run from you when I should have run to you. I am done hiding. I come to you today with honesty and with nothing to offer except my need for your grace and forgiveness.

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