Escapism

by Chadwick Brewer

“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by” (Psalms 57:1).

So much of the world around us revolves around escapism. In the extreme examples, people escape reality through drugs and alcohol. But in everyday life, we are all tempted to escape from our problems and the struggles of this life. We find escape appealing and easier than facing or fixing our problems.

We escape from the noise inside our heads by filling our surroundings with constant distractions - TV, YouTube, radio, podcasts, audiobooks, Pandora, etc. We escape from the doldrums of daily living by elaborate trips and excursions. We escape conflict with others by retreating into our sanctum sanctorum and shutting out the world. We escape the struggles in relationships by cutting people out of our lives and divorce.

But as devotees to God, we are invited not to escape but to find refuge. We are given the opportunity and privilege not to flee into isolation and the hubbub of distraction but rather to find solace and peace in the company of God and the life-giving spring of His Spirit. In escapism and distraction, there is death. In refuge, there is life - and life abundantly. Whenever you feel the pull to escape and distract, turn that into an opportunity to flee to God for refuge. Spend time with Him. Grow in Him. Allow Him to will and to work in you to face life’s struggles.