Bernie the Saint Bernard believed he was still a puppy. You should know, though, that he was enormous, furry—weigh- ing almost two-hundred pounds! (Truthfully, Bernie looked more like a grizzly bear than a dog.) One day, Bernie got loose in the park—just as Jess and her little brother Jack were walking into the park’s entrance.

Bernie saw Jack. Little Jack eyed Bernie.

To the dog (who thought he was still a puppy), Jack looked like the perfect playmate. To Jack, Bernie looked like a big bear. So, when Bernie began running toward his newest best friend, you can guess what Jack did, right? He took off!

It was impossible for Jack to outrun big Bernie. So, his big sister yelled out, “Jack, run back to me!” He ran into Jess’s arms, just in time, before Bernie caught him!

There are moments when God calls out to us, “Run to Me!” Something scary is at our heels. We can’t shake it. We’re too afraid to turn and face the trouble on our own. But here’s the thing: we aren’t on our own. God is there, ready to help and protect us. Always. We can turn away from whatever scares us and move in His direction. The Bible says, “The name of the Lord is like a strong tower. Godly people run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10 NIRV).

So, whenever you need help? Run to Him.

Jesus, whenever I’m scared or in trouble, help me run to You.