A Bike Ride, A Police Chase, & A Merciful God.

“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there.” – David, Psalms‬ ‭139:7-8‬

A few months ago, my husband and I were cycling on the NCR Trail. It was beautiful, serene…The gravel trail runs along the Gunpowder River and is flanked by trees and rocks. I love this trail because it’s natural beauty calms me. There’s no sound of cars. Just people chatting as they walk, runners feet touching the dirt, and the occasional ding of bike bell alerting you someone is passing on your left.

We went about 8 miles from Cockeysville past Monkton, and I stopped. “Let’s turn back here,” I said to Gary. “Why? Are you spooked by the clouds?” he asked.

I responded, “No… just feeling it. Time to head back.“

We were just a few miles away from our starting point when the peaceful stillness was broken by the sound of a helicopter flying low, right over us. It appeared to be a police helicopter looking for someone…We wondered who they looking for. Was there a child lost in the woods? A few minutes later another strange sight and sound. A motorcycle, headlight on, and speeding toward us in the center of the path. It took a sec for me to put it together. “Gary, get over!” I yelled. The riders face was stoic as he raced right past us on what I believe was a Harley. The helicopter was overhead swooping around above. This guy was on the run from the police!

We were in the middle of a police chase? I’ll never forget that man’s face. Determined. Resolute. Set on wherever he thought he was going.

Where did he think he was going? He probably didn’t have a destination in mind, but just wanted to get away from who was chasing him. I know what it’s like to be running away from something too.

When I’ve run away from my mistakes, I’ve had no destination in mind. I just had a full tank of shame and wanted to get away from the gaze of God and the light He shines on our innermost selves.

Are you running away from Him?

He is in hot pursuit. His goodness and mercy is chasing you. And when you finally stop running, you’ll realize it’s better to be found than on the run.