Keeps Us From Seeking An Escape

(The old man at prayer by Gerrit Dow 1660-th)

“[An hour a day in prayer/meditation to God] keeps us from seeking an external escape from our worries and miseries. When difficulties arise, when nerves are made taut by false accusations, there is always a danger that we may look outwards, as the Israelites did, for release.

From the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, word was given you: ‘Come back and keep still, and all shall be well with you; in quietness and in confidence lies your strength. But you would have none of it; To horse! you cried, We must flee! and flee you shall; We must ride swiftly, you said, but swifter still ride your pursuers’ (Isa. 30:15–16).

No outward escape, neither pleasure, drink, friends, or keeping busy, is an answer. The soul cannot ‘fly upon a horse’; he must take ‘wings’ to a place where his ‘life is hidden away . . . with Christ in God’ (Col. 3:3).”

~Fulton Sheen