Justin Tucker, LHBC Worship Pastor

2 Kings 6:15-17

When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

The weapon may be formed, but it won’t prosper

When the darkness falls, it won’t prevail

‘Cause the God I serve knows only how to triumph

My God will never fail

Oh, my God will never fail

Have you ever felt like the whole world was against you? Nothing seems to work the way you have planned, it feels like everyone has either left you or is against you? I know that I have. When I think back on those times in my life where I’ve been overwhelmed by loneliness, the heartbreak of lost dreams, and repeated attacks God was ever present in each of those struggles. He would reveal Himself to me through His Word and through His people. He would constantly surround me with people who would pray for me, or encourage me. He would reveal something new and fresh in the Bible to me and renew my spirit. When my heart was broken, when my hope seemed lost…God never left me. He would surround me with His presence and His people!

When we read through the Psalms, we see that David felt that way too. He was chased by King Saul and the army of Israel, he was hunted by foreign enemies, his best friend is killed in battle, his own son even plotted to kill him. In Psalm 31:21 David writes, “Praise the Lord! How wonderfully he showed his love for me when I was surrounded and attacked!”  This is what Elisha is trying to get his servant to realize and it’s what we need to lean into today – It’s not time to give up when we are surrounded – it’s time to look up! We have to remember to take our eyes off of the enemy that is surrounding us or the storm that we are in the middle of  and look to God who is surrounding our circumstances. The only way to take the power away from our problems is to give praise to God. He is with us and He is for us!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord, help me to change my focus in the midst of battles from my problems to Your power and provision. Help me to lean into the promise that you will never leave me or forsake me. Use me in ways to be an encouragement to others who are facing trials. Help us to be strong and to be courageous because our hope is found in you and you alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.

MEMORY VERSE FOR THE WEEK:

Romans 13:8

Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.