Why Do I Keep Running from God When I Know I Should Run Toward Him?

Have you ever found yourself wondering, Why am I running from God? Why do I keep drifting, hiding, resisting—when I know deep down that I should be running straight into His arms? You’re not alone. This tension between what we know is right and what we often do instead—is part of the human condition. It’s a spiritual tug-of-war that plays out in the hearts of believers everywhere.

We run because we’re afraid. We run because we’re ashamed. We run because sin whispers lies that somehow we’re too far gone or that God is too disappointed in us to still want us. But none of those things are true. They’re just echoes of the same old deception that’s been around since Eden: “Did God really say?” and “Can you really trust Him?”

Adam and Eve ran too. After their sin, they hid among the trees, covered in fig leaves and fear (Genesis 3:8-10). And what did God do? He didn’t abandon them. He came walking through the garden, calling out, “Where are you?” Not because He didn’t know where they were but because He wanted them to stop hiding. He wanted them to come home.

And He wants the same for you.

We often think God is waiting to punish us, but in reality, He’s waiting to restore us. Romans 2:4 (LSB) reminds us, “Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” It’s not fear of wrath that pulls us back to Him—it’s the overwhelming realization of His mercy.

So why do we keep running?

Sometimes it’s pride. We don’t want to admit we’re broken. Sometimes it’s pain, we’ve been hurt, and we blame God. Other times it’s addiction, distraction, or just plain rebellion. But the root of it all is unbelief. We don’t believe God is as good as He says He is. We don’t believe His grace is sufficient. We don’t believe He’ll welcome us if we return.

But the Cross changes all of that.

The Cross proves that Jesus didn’t just make a way back to God, He is the way. When He stretched out His arms on Calvary, He wasn’t just dying for our sin. He was tearing down every wall that keeps us from the Father, shame, guilt, fear, failure. It’s all been nailed to that tree.

So stop running.

You’re not outrunning God—you’re only exhausting yourself. Like the prodigal son in Luke 15, you don’t have to clean yourself up before you come home. Just come. The Father is already watching, already waiting, already running toward you with compassion.

He hasn’t given up on you. Not even close.

And maybe, just maybe, it’s time you stop asking, “Why am I running from God?” and start asking, “What’s stopping me from running back?”

Because the only thing in your way… is you.

Scripture to Reflect On:
   •   “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8 (LSB)
   •   “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (LSB)
   •   “Return to Me,” declares Yahweh of hosts, “that I may return to you.” — Zechariah 1:3 (LSB)

If this hits home, don’t ignore it. Drop to your knees. Cry out to Him. He hasn’t moved. He hasn’t changed. And He’s not finished with you yet. Run toward Him—you’ll find grace waiting. Every time.

In Love,

Pastor Jody