Life comes with challenges. There are physical ailments, relational struggles, emotional trials, and even doubts concerning ourselves and what we believe to be true.
All of these obstacles require effort to overcome. Or to move through with at least a semblance of grace — a grace that comes readily from a Savior who has promised to uphold us in our weakness.
When my strength and willpower are waning, I have a refuge. A place of escape from the urgent and pressing and the just downright hard. A place to hide when the whirlwind of life is too much to face on my own. A sequestered cleft in the Rock of Ages, chiseled by a nail-scarred hand. The same familiar hand that extends to me, inviting me to come away with Him. Again.
My means of escape is not in fleeing from the challenge before me. Nor is the path to reconciliation one that comes from cutting others from my life. Ignoring the questions will not make them cease plaguing me. And denying my doubts does not make them disappear.
My way out is drawing near to Jesus — even if my circumstances remain unchanged.
Escaping with Jesus means I can regain my liberty while the battle still rages. Secure from the enemy’s threats of destruction and death.
And as I was reminded just yesterday by a friend’s Facebook post, the best way for me to escape a life of captivity is to “put on thanksgiving like armor — because it is.”
When the blessings seem fleeting and the days long and heavy, it is wise to remember to praise. To determine to be obstinately thankful. No matter the storms whipping about me.
Oh, I can be obstinate with ease. But obstinately thankful? That requires purposefulness. A choosing. A throw-down with the enemy. One that draws a line in the sand and refuses to budge from a stance of gratefulness as I pull out that garment of praise as my powerhouse weapon.
My way of escape is to open my heart and pour out thankfulness like a leaking bucket that cannot staunch its constant dripping of praise for all the benefits I experience daily. Ones I continually take for granted.
To count my many blessings. Literally naming them and noting the goodness that is mine. Always.
Praise is my escape to freedom.
Even if the chains still rattle, they cannot ring louder than the sound of a soul set free by its Savior.
So armor up, saints. It’s time to get obstinate and let thankfulness have the final say.
After all, it is the best way to escape.
Every.
Single.
Time.
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This post was written in conjunction with https://fiveminutefriday.com/2023/09/14/fmf-writing-prompt-link-up-escape/ Teaming up with an online group of writers who encourage others to share the words God has given them. The gist is to write for five minutes on a one-word prompt, then post your writing and link up with others who do the same — no overthinking, no deep editing, just free-writing in a short amount of time.
oh, I liked your post. glad I chose to stop by. FMF15
I love your post!! So much of it resonates with me. I particularly loved the phrases ‘escaping with Jesus’, and ‘obstinately thankful’. I can be obstinate but I never put it with thankfulness. I will do that. Thanks so much for sharing. Kath, your FMF neighbour at #21 this week.
Determining to be thankful is always a choice, isn’t it Kath? Some days it comes easier than others. But always, it changes me. And that is the beauty of praise.
Barbara, this is spot on for me! Thank you so much. You have written it with such creative expression too. A delight to read such profound truths so eloquently put. In another blogger’s post I watched us escaping to, rather than from, and I thought of Psalm 71 and how we escape to Him, who then delivers us. Here you remind us of the tools of how to escape to Him – to put on the armour of praise and gratitude, even amidst the raging storm. Thank you again Barbara. Bless you
Thanks for the kind words, Dawn. I’m glad you were encouraged.