O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.” 2 Chronicles 20:12 (NLT)
It does not require genius, or great spiritual discernment to understand that we live in turbulent times. In the United States, again we are hearing that this is the most important election of our lifetime. Didn’t we hear that 4 years ago?
King Jehoshaphat, a godly king, realized that Israel faced an enemy far greater than themselves. The first temptation is always to look for human alliances, or a champion who will save us. As news of the alliance arrayed against Israel reached the king, he reacted: Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting. 2 Chronicles 20:3 (NLT)
How often do we look for solutions to problems before we go to the Lord? Perhaps Jehoshaphat recalled the words of his ancestor David: Oh, please help us against our enemies, for all human help is useless. Psalm 60:11 (NLT) Why then do we persist in seeking for a “champion” to save us?
When we find ourselves facing an enemy or opposition, we might be inclined to blame Satan. However, consider the possibility that God creates circumstances to test us to see where we will turn in a time of trouble. “Fear not,” is an often-repeated admonition in the Bible. Who are we going to turn to when confronted with overwhelming opposition? Let us look at the problems and opportunities that await us.
Where Are You Looking?
I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! Psalm 121:1–2 (NLT)
To paraphrase, sometimes we find ourselves looking for, “help in all the wrong places.” Even the Psalmist begins by saying that he looks to the mountains, asking, “does my help come from there?” Do not make God the last resort.
All too frequently, our attitude when we encounter a problem is to say, “I’ve got this!” We think, “Certainly God has more important things to do than be concerned about my problem.”
How often do we seek for counsel and help from, doctors, lawyers, even politicians, before we make our appeal to God? I can’t count the number of times in my lifetime I have heard people boldly say that if so-and-so is elected to office, things will be better. Occasionally so-and-so is elected, but rarely is anything better. Hear the Word: Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. Psalm 146:3 (NLT)
What would happen if we sought God’s help as our first option rather than when every other effort had failed? My eyes are always on the Lord, for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies. Psalm 25:15 (NLT)
When we take our eyes off Jesus, we will think like Peter. Until our spiritual eyes are opened, we will not see the great heavenly host that is assembled to face the enemy.
Don’t Be Distracted
But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” Luke 10:40 (NLT)
“The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” ― Stephen Covey
I will not argue with those who claim that the devil’s favorite tool is discouragement. But, if so, distraction cannot be far behind as a device used to inhibit us from finding what is most important.
I use a computer at home which has three monitors (I admit it, I am a computer nerd.). At times it can be immensely helpful, yet it can also be a distraction. I can be working on something, like for instance, this article when I notice in the corner of my eye that a new email has arrived. It might be important, but it is usually a distraction.
Martha was distracted by what she thought was most important. Mary, and probably others sitting at Jesus’ feet were not concerned about dinner. They were feasting on the words of Jesus.
For you, what is the main thing? What are you looking at? If politics, or the state of world affairs consumes more of your time, then spending time with Jesus, you may be distracted from the main thing. Jesus told Martha: There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42 (NLT)
We need to learn to fix our eyes on Jesus. Like the hymn says, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.”
Seeing the Unseen
So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NLT)
It can be disheartening to look around us and see the chaos and turmoil in this world. Even the problems within us bring discouragement. We will never find the answer until we look with spiritual eyes at the things that are not visible to our natural eyes. When we do our perspective will be dramatically transformed.
My prayer is that like Elisha’s servant, our eyes will be open, so that we can see things as they really are. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12:2 (NLT) More than ever before, what we are looking at really matters. Let us not take our eyes off Jesus.
Steve Ekeroth