Anxiety, Faith and Fear. “Lord open my eyes that I may see you and not my problems.”

Elisha a man of God was in Israel. He was mightily used by God. Each time the Syrians planned an attack into Israel. God revealed it to Elisha. Elisha would then inform the King of Israel who would then take the necessary steps to prevent the attacks taking place. 

This naturally angered the King of Aram (Syria) who initially thought he had an informer among the troops. He was then told of Elisha’s ability as a prophet of Israel to know of the King of Aram’s plan even when he spoke them in secret. Obviously the king thought he must get rid of Elisha.  The King found out that Elisha was staying in Dothan and sent an army which surrounded the city at night.

Elisha’s servant woke up the next morning. He looked up and saw the city was surrounded by soldiers. Elisha came out and the servant in fear said to him, “What are we going to do?” Elisha replied, “Do not be afraid for those with us are more than those with them.” The servant did not understand what Elisha meant. He looked around and could not see anything.

Elisha prayed, “Lord open my servants eyes so he can see things as they really are.” The Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he saw there were horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha. The servant no longer felt fearful. He saw that they were protected by God.

Anxiety and fear play a big part in our lives. The servant got up in the morning and the first thing he saw was that they were surrounded by an enemy. His initial reaction was fear! We too often find ourselves in circumstances that cause us to fear. We can allow the fear to get out of our control.

On the other hand, Elisha was not afraid because he had confidence in his God to deliver him. He knew the power of God was much stronger than the power of the enemy. God meets Elisha and his servant in their fear. When we are afraid we need to call on our God.

When we take our eyes off God and look at our circumstances we will sink. We will always have a choice between looking to our God or looking to our circumstances! We look to God by praying to him and learning to trust him. It may be just learning to trust God firstly in the small things of life. (The story of Elisha and his servant is found 2 Kings Chapter 6.)

Dear Jesus

When fear overwhelms me

Please comfort me

Please meet me in my fear

And calm me.

Please give me strength

To carry on when I feel like

Giving up!

Amen.

By Harbajan (servant of Jesus). 29/08/20 www.godislove.me.uk