Once, you were overwhelmed with the beauty in the forest. The quiet stream, rushing waterfalls, wee songbirds, animals, and breathtaking beauty. The delight you felt as you stumbled across a fawn or a nest crafted so well. Now, to find the very trees that brought such comfort overwhelms you and shuts you out from the place you want to be. Rather than the peace and solitude your soul longs to find, you feel trapped in fear as you see the looming trees of the forest.

2 Kings 6:15-19 tells the story of a man who felt much the same. A whole army came out to capture Elisha and his young servant. Vengeance in the hearts of the oppressors. Two of God’s men against a whole army. Paralyzed in fear … or?

In response to seeing the obvious, Elisha cried out to his servant, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then he called out to God, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw … incredulously, the mountain full of horses, and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Then God caused blindness to come upon the enemies who had come to destroy the man of God and his servant. Blinded by God, Elisha led the attackers away, eventually returning back to where they had come from.

Pray today: Lord open my eyes to see the beauty in the forest, my life that you have given to me today. Open my eyes to see you at work in your grandeur. I want to be more overwhelmed with you today than I am by the political climate around me. Open my eyes to appreciate the little things you do in my day.  I don’t want to be trapped/blinded in my fear. Let me see the expected end that comes to those who trust in you. Blind me to the fear that has come to rob me of your plan for my day. May all my fears be led back to where they came from today. Because I know you are real, I know you care, and I know you have the power to help me today.