October 9, 2020
The times we are living in are unsettling. This year has been filled with one thing after another that causes us to look at life with apprehension. We wonder what is coming next. As Christians, we know that we are commanded not to worry and fret; however, we somehow can’t seem to “be anxious for nothing,” as we are told to do in Philippians 4:6. Between the coronavirus, rioting, hurricanes, and the political situation, not to mention personal issues, our trepidation level is on overload. Life seems scary, at best.
Into all the fear and dread, the Lord speaks. He reveals Scripture passages that calm my soul. He reminds me that He is in control and that I am NEVER out of His care. When I am walking through tough times, He is there to hold me up, give me strength, and keep me going. If I look back at some of the worst seasons of life (like the death of my husband), I see how He has accompanied me through the darkest valleys.
Lately, all the ugliness of the current election process has caused a panic in so many people. We are leery of what could happen either way things might go. Because of the coronavirus, our churches are not as open as they have been before, so we don’t have the spiritual support we once had from each other. It takes much more effort on our part to find a place of peace for our souls.
I felt overwhelmed at all that is going on in the world around us. As I read one of my devotional books, this Scripture popped out at me:
“O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” 2 Chronicles 20:12.
What a blessing it is to know that we can keep our eyes on the Lord! Even though we don’t know what to do, He does. And He will reveal to us what we need to do and when we need to do it. We just need to stay in tune with Him.
Then the Lord reminded me of the account of Elisha’s servant found in 2 Kings 6:8-17:
“Now the king of Aram was warring against Israel; and he counseled with his servants saying, “In such and such a place shall be my camp.” The man of God sent word to the king of Israel saying, “Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Arameans are coming down there.” The king of Israel sent to the place about which the man of God had told him; thus he warned him, so that he guarded himself there, more than once or twice.
Now the heart of the king of Aram was enraged over this thing; and he called his servants and said to them, “Will you tell me which of us is for the king of Israel?” One of his servants said, “No, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.” So he said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send and take him.” And it was told him, saying, “Behold, he is in Dothan.” He sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city.
Now when the attendant of the man of God had risen early and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was circling the city. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And the Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” NASB
God was protecting his servant Elisha, and Elisha knew it. As Christians, we should have an awareness of the Lord’s covering just like Elisha did. When the Holy Spirit brought this Biblical account to my mind this week, it was such a blessing to my soul.
The Lord has us in his keeping. No matter what. I can relax, knowing that whatever happens, I am protected. However things end up, I will be taken care of by my Heavenly Father. Joy flows in like a flood, replacing the fear and trepidation. If they try to set up camp again, I can ask the Lord to remind me of the hosts of Heaven that surround me.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your Word! Thank You for the many ways it speaks into our lives. Thank you for men of faith and valor like Elisha. When we feel overwhelmed by circumstances, open our eyes to see Your protection that surrounds us. No matter what.