Have you ever felt like running to the mountains to escape an overwhelming situation or experience? Have you wished the earth could be merciful, open up, and just swallow you? The traumatic experience might have been emotional, physical, or spiritual. Whatever the source, it left you with an overwhelming desire to escape.

You are not alone. We know that King David felt that way at least once. He cited his enemies as the source of his fearfulness, trembling, and horror to the point where his heart was “sore pained” and “the terrors of death” had fallen upon him. David wanted out as soon as yesterday!

In most cases, we have no control as to when and what problems will affect us. Such a condition could be compared to life with water buffalo in an African village. These huge animals can invade a village without warning, devastate social structures, uproot the harmonious livelihood of villagers, and leave them feeling insecure and stressed out. Running away or climbing trees are not long-term solutions—the buffalo are still there, and buffalo at large can torment and haunt the villagers.

Likewise, spiritual “buffalo” cannot be overcome by physical escape. Wherever you run or wherever you turn, the problem is still there. However, spiritual peace—the only lasting form of peace—can be experienced during the stormiest time of life, and it can be lacking during the times we consider calm.

As human beings, we are assured of stormy times, but there is One to whom we can escape. He is Jesus. Regardless of the nature of the “buffalo,” we can fly away like a dove and be at rest when we turn our problems over to Jesus and let Him have the battle.