🏔️ Run to the Throne, Not iPhone

Rooted in Psalm 11:1 | Formed by God's Desires | Fueled by God's Heartbeat

I have three kids under five years old.

That means chaos is normal in our house. My energetic DNA multiplied by toddler energy leads to—well—accidents. Spills, head bonks, scraped knees… daily.

But God has been so gracious to teach me something in those moments:
Run to Him first.

When one of my girls trips or bursts into tears, I, as a man, naturally want to fix it. But before I “solve” the situation, I stop and pray. I ask God for healing, protection, and comfort. Unless they’re bleeding profusely (then stop the bleeding first), I bring them straight to the throne room.

So did King David.

“In the Lord I take refuge.
How then can you say to me:
‘Flee like a bird to your mountain’?”
—Psalm 11:1

David didn’t write that from a palace. He was probably being hunted. Surrounded by fear and pressure, people told him to run. To get out. To retreat. But instead of panicking, David anchored his soul in God. That’s what refuge looks like.

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What Does It Mean to Be After God’s Own Heart?

David wasn’t perfect - far from it.
But what made him different was this:
He always returned to God.

David’s instinct was to run toward God in crisis or calm, success or sin, not from Him.

That’s what it means to be a man or woman after God’s own heart:
You run to God, not to comfort.
You trust when others panic.
You stand firm—not because you’re strong, but because He is.

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How Do We Develop a Heart Like His?

David modeled it. Here are three anchoring truths—each one rooted in Scripture and powerfully relevant for your daily life:

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1. Desire What God Desires

• Crave a humble, repentant heart

• Long for obedience, not just emotional moments

• Want people to know God, not just know about Him

“To obey is better than sacrifice…” – 1 Samuel 15:22
“Let the one who boasts boast in this: that they understand and know Me…” – Jeremiah 9:24

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2. Reflect His Character

• Love with consistency, extend mercy, and act justly

• Repent freely, worship fully

• Remember: God is holy and making you like Him

“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” – Psalm 145:8
“Be holy, because I am holy.” – 1 Peter 1:16

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3. Live for His Purpose

• Make Jesus known, not yourself

• Disciple your family, coworkers, and community by living what you teach

• Believe God is restoring all things—and you’re part of it

“Go and make disciples…” – Matthew 28:19
“Behold, I am making all things new.” – Revelation 21:5

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Never Finished Challenge + Modern Application

We live in a world shouting:

• “Protect your brand.”

• “Run to comfort.”

• “Build a platform.”

But God says:

• “Protect your heart.” (Proverbs 4:23)

• “Run to Me.” (Hebrews 4:16)

• “Glorify My Son.” (John 17:4)

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Here’s What It Looks Like Today:

• You lead your family in prayer, even if you fumble your words

• You repent quickly, forgive faster, and worship even when it’s hard

• You memorize Scripture instead of scrolling

• You treat God’s Word like it’s oxygen, not an optional supplement

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Challenge:

Write down Psalm 11:1 and post it on your bathroom mirror. Read it out loud every morning this week.

Then pray:

“God, make me a man after Your heart. Shape my desires to match Yours. Let my first instinct be to run to You, not away. Use me to reveal Your glory, Your grace, and Your purpose in the world. I trust You, even when I don’t see the way. Amen.”

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What Today Tells Me About God

The Creator of the cosmos is so perfect, and yet so open-armed to someone like me. It leaves me utterly speechless.

But when I look at Jesus, I see:

• A Father who runs to the prodigal (Luke 15:20)

• A Brother who walks with us through suffering (Hebrews 2:11)

• A Mother-like nurturer who comforts us in our pain (Isaiah 66:13)

• A Friend who forgives and stays (John 15:15)

What a Father. What a Friend. What a King. Thank You, Jesus.

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