Already Run

Psa 11:1  A David psalm. I've already run for dear life straight to the arms of GOD. So 
why would I run away now when you say, "Run to the mountains; 

	Evacuation is sometimes the obvious choice in the face of overwhelming force. 
We've experienced this to a great extent this year with the hurricanes and their threat of 
possible devastation. Millions of people were clogging the roadways north as they were 
running from the storms and their certain destruction. In some cases the destruction 
wasn't nearly what was anticipated and it might appear that evacuation was unnecessary. 
But, when there is a threat to life, it isn't worth taking a chance and risking possible 
death. Also, there is this sense of panic that tends to take over as the repeated warnings 
increase the intensity of desperation to somehow escape. "Runaway" is the only word 
heard and heeded. 
	It is interesting, though, when watching the news coverage of these hurricanes 
that for some reason there are those who choose to disregard all of the warnings and 
remain behind- to go through the storm. There are always the "brave" newscasters who 
love to stand in the street as the wind behind them tears signs apart and trees are bent 
almost horizontal. They are somehow, with the help of technology and massive 
windscreens, able to yell out necessary tidbits of information that could only be known 
by one who has stayed behind to observe. There are also, though, these residents that 
maybe didn't get the intensity of the reports or maybe just chose to ignore them 
altogether. Possibly with the motive of preserving their possessions in whatever way 
possible, and possibly with just nowhere else to go, they are set to weather the storm. For 
all those remaining there has been this decision made either by them or by their 
circumstances to act in a way that is directly opposed to that "runaway" urge. Something 
has become more compelling than the more logical and apparently lucid choice. 
	There will be "storms" that continually show up on the weather map of life. There 
will be ongoing invasion attempts by enemies bent on our destruction. For each of these 
threats there will be an urge to run away and somehow find refuge from the impending 
doom. And, for each of these threats there will be a "north", a "mountain", or "refuge" of 
some kind that is offered by the world to avoid the devastation. The overwhelming panic 
will be to avoid the conflict altogether and just hope for the best- take some entertainment 
or mood altering additive to escape reality and ease the impact of true soul destruction. 
	As the clouds roll in, however, and as the sights and sounds of battle begin to 
signal an oncoming conflict, a few individuals who have already run to a refuge, already 
found their high tower of refuge, will remain. Instead of seeking a way to just "run 
away", there will be within them a desire to be the one who made it through safely to 
victory and the preservation of all that is theirs. From their safe vantage point right in the 
middle of the raging storm or siege they will be able to describe with confidence and 
security the surrounding events. With no fear of personal threat there will be an ability to 
take what was meant for destruction and turn it to the glory of the One in which refuge 
was found. To the panic inspiring warnings, reports of danger, and shouts to run there 
will be an attitude of, "Why run anywhere else, I've already run for dear life straight to 
the arms of GOD. No other place looks nearly as secure as where I am right now." 
	When it is all over and the waters have gone down, these will be the ones still 
standing in their established place in righteousness. Having never left their location in the 
Rock, they will be even more securely embedded in the One who has eternally proven 
Himself more compelling than any other. They've already run.

Under the shadow of Your wings
In the cleft of the Rock
Hidden away in the palm of the Almighty
I will abide