Running Without Stopping

Humans are always running.
We run and run and run and run and run...
For what?

Some of us run for monetary gain.
Others run for status.
Still others run for comfort and security.
And there are even those who run for love.

But one thing remains the same about all of these.
They never stop running.

Everyone is running so fast, in every direction imaginable. Call it what you will, a product of the times, a societal impulse, part of our natural instinct... The question I'd like to ask is when do we stop?

We set these goals for ourselves and once we reach them, we just continue to run with the prize in our arms. From the moment we're born until the day we die, we never stop running. Our legs never stop sprinting. Our arms never stop reaching. Our minds never stop thinking. Our hearts never stop beating. Our desires grow more and more numerous every passing day, every passing second.

Just when do we stop?

God's been asking me the same question lately.
When will you stop for me, Kevin?
When will you stop running?
Is planning for ReComm more important than me?
Are your disciples more important than me?
School?
Family?
Come. Come and rest, Kevin. Just... stop.

And as I sprint, I turn back to see
a mighty savior who runs after me.

His shoulders are sagging and his brow is torn.
His cries to me to stop are ignored.

Upon his shoulder he carries a tree
and all of the burdens he's taken from me.

I run and run without silence or rest.
I'm running away from my faithlessness.

But this savior won't stop, he never relents.
He begs me to share in his righteousness.

I am not worthy, nor do I deserve
an ounce of this love that he has reserved.

Sometimes I trip, and lie there crying.
It hurts so much and I feel like dying.

My savior runs faster to catch up to me
to wash my pained feet and bandage my knee.

Though he wants me to stop, he knows my desires
and, instead, allows me to climb even higher.

In tears he continues to follow behind
waiting for when I'll finally find

that what I desire is not what I need,
that there is a God who loves me for me.

The day that I will turn back to find,
my savior in light and glory defined.

And he'll beckon me into his loving embrace
to hold me close and heal all my hate.

He'll tell me he loves me despite all my flaws.
He chose me to love without any cause.

"Come to me, Kevin, and you will find rest.
Pray for my strength when you feel oppressed.

When you run away, I'll chase 'til you fall.
When your burdens are heavy, I'll take them all.

For I love you far more than I can bear.
You're worth more to me than the birds of the air.

My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Come to me and you won't have to fight."

Though I am sinful, unworthy and hardened,
my savior has died for the sake of my pardon.

So I will stop running, to stand in the silence,
to give up control and follow his guidance.

For I no longer dash away from Jesus, my savior
but joyfully ride on his comforting shoulders.

Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

I love you, Abba Father.