As the rain and snow

“Unless the Lord builds the house,
    those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the watchman stays awake in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early
    and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
    for he gives to his beloved sleep.” Psalm 127:1-2

“Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,
    who walks in his ways!
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
    you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.” Psalm 128:1-2

We humans, made uniquely of all creation in the image of God, are wont to be satisfied expending our efforts within human limitations. Yet our infinite God, in whom we actually live and move and have our being, has so much more in store for us if we would only orient our lives around Him. We wake, we toil, we fret, we roil, and limit our soil to producing temporal fruit. Would we lift our eyes and see the skies, we’d tap what lies in the heavenlies! Unless the Lord is in it, we work for naught. (Genesis 1:26-28; Acts 17:28)

He cares about our work, our homes, our communities, but often for wider reasons than we consider. We may plan and pray, but our end is personal favor, comfort, and success. Would we recognize that our families, our cities, our nations, are the Lord’s to establish, bless, or diminish, all that we might fear and bless His name? He it is who sets leaders in place, and removes them from position, according to His infinite purposes. We see dimly, and so arrange and act in temporal space, yet He designs the whole of history and intersects each component with holy, eternal precision for His ultimate glory. (Daniel 2:20-22; 1 Corinthians 13:9-12)

In Babel, men were judged for trying to build their way to heaven and thus ‘make a name for themselves.’ In other words, ‘leave God out of it, we can do this; and when we do this, we won’t need Him anymore.’ Their motive was self-centered, their rules self-written, their impetus self-compelled. They wanted to win, and they wanted notice and power. But there is only One worth building for, only One by whom we can succeed, One by whom and for whom we were made, and He will not be mocked. (Genesis 11:1-9; Galatians 6:7; Colossians 1:16)

If we are spinning wheels in fruitless toil, if fretting and anxiety over our city or nation are keeping us from rest, we must check to see who we are trusting as watchman over our lives and possessions. It is so easy to take over the reins, to drive drive and do do, to work work and build build, and pay homage to God with only a rushed blessing on our labor. Yet the Bible promises peaceful sleep, fruitful labor, and blessing when we trust and fear the Lord- not failure, not ruin, not others’ assessments, not loss. Unless the Lord is our foundation and confidence, we will be unsettled.

Where do I need new priorities? How will I clear the way for the Lord to have His sway?

Lord God, guard me from any effort or expenditure, decision or inspiration, unless You are at the helm. May I walk and work in Your ways, not my own.

“You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,  while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it  and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:10-17

There is no need to fix what is not broken, and it is never prudent to stop a wise course of action. There are times the way ahead is obscured, but we know our destination and can continue on. Understanding the right thing to do, staying immersed in the truth, and sustained plodding keep us steady and focused when the battle is the toughest and the path dark with opposition.

With division and opposing loyalties storming our culture and vying for our allegiance, and rebel accusations, vociferous claims, and vitriol competing for our attention and reaction, we are called to stay the course with steadfastness. With visible, invisible, and audible attacks on our beliefs, motivations, and way of life, we are to be discerning, wise and assured in what we have learned, and trusting in the finished work of our rescue and salvation. Our eyes must be transfixed on Jesus, our lives grounded in His word. He is our sure foundation, and the sacred writings that have done a permanent sacred work in our hearts are daily ours for imparting wisdom, convicting of sin, setting straight our thinking and behavior, and equipping us to obey. Continue! (Hebrews 12:1-3)

The scriptures also give us godly examples like Paul, who emulated holy passion, faith, patience, love, and staying the course in every persecution and pain. Being surrounded by the host of brave saints who have gone before, and believing in the One who blazed that trail with perfect grace, we are compelled to follow in their steps. Continue!

When temptations flirt with our emotions, and whispers allure us to take the slippery or easy road, continue to live a godly life!

When suffering wears us down and strength grows thin, when we feel we can bear no more pain, or another sleepless night or impossible decision, continue in what has been taught and lean on the faith former grief has built!

When the enemy paraphrases hard commands to admit excuses and shave away with deception, continue in the Word and promises we know to be true!

As for me, will I choose, no matter what, to continue with my Lord?

Lord, keep me carefully plodding along with You, ready for and devoted to every good work no matter the road. May I continue faithfully because of Your grace and in light of Your glory.

“Come, let us return to the Lord;
    for he has torn us, that he may heal us;
    he has struck us down, and he will bind us up.
After two days he will revive us;
    on the third day he will raise us up,
    that we may live before him.
Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord;
    his going out is sure as the dawn;
he will come to us as the showers,
    as the spring rains that water the earth.” Hosea 6:1-3

Every tear in confidence, or a relationship, can be healed; every blow to body, or dreams, or security, can be bound in the soothing embrace and care of the Savior. He who knew all and bore all died to redeem all. “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief… Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” To Him we are called to return, to identify with Him, that we may be revived and live. (Isaiah 53:3-5)

God’s children suffer seasons, limited ‘days’ of suffering, longing, pain, long enough to realize the futility of the downward gaze, and to turn our faces upward for rescue to the One who surely comes. In depleted strength, when we can stand the darkness no longer, He arrives sure as the dawn, and we find fresh life in Him. “Say to those who have an anxious heart, ‘Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come… He will come and save you.’” (Isaiah 35:4)

Where have we strayed following disordered affections, pursuing idols, spending inordinate time on fruitless endeavors? Where have we allowed ourselves to wander into worldly thinking, prurient entertainment, a selfish mindset, or stubborn independence? The paths are many which lead us away from God, yet if we give attention, we hear His call, “Return!”

Are we thirsty from a drought of identity, of vision, of knowing the right way forward? Is our soul barren of hope, or holy desire, or willingness to forgive? Are we bereft of any discipline, any drive, any motivation? Have we neglected, or isolated ourselves from, friends with whom we can grow, who will boldly speak truth in love, challenge bad habits, and build us up in Christ? Hear His voice say, “Come. Let us press on to know the Lord.” He invites us together, He brings fresh showers for us to drink, and soak up, and find energy. He is like dew, falling upon us to drown out inertia, spark growth, and bring beauty and flourishing. (Hosea 14:5-7; Ephesians 4:15-16)

As the earth spins in orbit and daily greets the sun, our Lord is sure, and will surely come. He does not always accuse or harbor anger against whatever rent us, but lavishes love and compassion. He who bids us come to Him comes to meet us, with open arms. (Psalm 103:4-5,8-13)

What need I release to return to my Lord? What need I resolve to persist in pressing on to know Him?

Merciful Lord, captivate and direct my determination to come to You with all I am, and to press on in knowing, adoring, serving, and honoring You.

“Behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne [who] had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. ⁴ Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. ⁵ From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire… and… there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal…

“Day and night they never cease to say, ‘Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!..’ They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, ‘Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.’” Revelation 4:2-6,8,10-11

Each new day, we awaken into a sanctuary, where our Savior King reigns and bids us offer our bodies a living sacrifice in holy service. One day, every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus the Risen Lamb is Lord, and in humble adoration, we who know Him will lay crowns we’ve received at His nail-pierced feet. (Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 3:10-14; Philippians 2:9-11; Revelation 3:11)

“Crown Him with many crowns,
  The Lamb upon His throne;
Hark! how the heav’nly anthem drowns
  All music but its own!
  Awake, my soul, and sing
  Of Him who died for thee,
And hail Him as thy matchless King
  Through all eternity.

Every day He reigns. Will I greet Him with praise?

Crown him the Lord of love;
behold his hands and side,
rich wounds, yet visible above,
in beauty glorified;
no angels in the sky
can fully bear that sight,
but downward bends their burning eye
at mysteries so bright.

Every day He reigns. Will I adorn Him with thanksgiving for all He has done for me?

Crown him the Lord of life,
who triumphed o’er the grave,
and rose victorious in the strife
for those he came to save;
his glories now we sing
who died and rose on high,
who died eternal life to bring,
and lives that death may die.

Every day He reigns. With each breath, all vitality, and whole heart will I live for His glory?

Crown Him the Lord of peace,
  Whose power a scepter sways
From pole to pole, that wars may cease,
  And all be prayer and praise.
  His reign shall know no end,
  And round His pierced feet
Fair flowers of glory now extend
  Their fragrance ever sweet.

Every day He reigns. How are my interactions with others displaying His peace in my soul?

Crown him the Lord of years,
the potentate of time,
creator of the rolling spheres,
ineffably sublime.
All hail, Redeemer, hail!
for thou hast died for me;
thy praise shall never, never fail
throughout eternity.” ~Matthew Bridges (1851)

Every day He reigns. With what trust for the past, and hope for the future, will I exalt Him as sovereign Redeemer?

What crowns will we offer today? Words that magnify Him in all His worth and glory? Actions of excellence, grace, and generosity that make a difference for others, for eternity? Love lavished without thought for self?

Lord God, I crown You as the only true Victor, and hail You as my matchless King this day and forever.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.’

For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
    and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his pinions,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
You will not fear the terror of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
    nor the destruction that wastes at noonday...
‘When he calls to me, I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble;
    I will rescue him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.’” Psalm 91:1-6,15-16

“The Lord is your keeper;
    the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
    nor the moon by night.” Psalm 121:5-6

“Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.  And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:8-10

Watching storm clouds brew and race, at once dominating, then broken by blue, I wonder which will win out– the puffy white with sun, or a thunderstorm?

And which would I choose, the darkness drear, buffeting every resolve and plan, or the easy sunshine and its warm embrace? Clouds win out when they drop their rain, and sometimes in frightening torrents whipped by accompanying wind. But the sky still opens blue behind and above, and the sun still shines beyond. Both will win in their time, so both it will be for me, since I choose to look and trust and prefer beyond, where my Lord is enthroned. I must answer ‘yes’ for the experience of knowing my Keeper in any weather.

Without stress, we do not know the calming of supernatural peace; without opposition we know not victory. Without pain, we know not relief; without sorrow, we know not comfort. Without suffering, we know not healing; without want, we know not divine supply. Without weakness, we know not God’s strength; without questioning, we know not His answers. Without chilling cold, we know not warmth; without aloneness, we appreciate not an embrace. Without drought and thirst, we cherish not His living water; without sour or bitter, we recognize not sweet. Without the sting of conviction, we know not the balm of forgiveness; without rift in a relationship, we know not joyful reconciliation.

So I would choose both, dark clouds and shining sun, because the tension is where faith is forged and the Lord is seen. What causes me to resist the storms and shadows He prescribes? What ease am I preferring, what fear is paralyzing, what control am I insisting on, that preclude my learning from every weather?

Lord, teach me to say a hearty “Yes!” to all You ordain, and make me faithful to exalt, trust, and glorify You as Ruler and End of everything.

“Oh how I love your law!
    It is my meditation all the day.
Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies,
    for it is ever with me...

Your word is a lamp to my feet
    and a light to my path…
Your testimonies are my heritage forever,
    for they are the joy of my heart…

Your testimonies are wonderful;
    therefore my soul keeps them.
The unfolding of your words gives light;
    it imparts understanding to the simple.
I open my mouth and pant,
    because I long for your commandments…

Your promise is well tried,
    and your servant loves it…
Your righteousness is righteous forever,
    and your law is true.
Trouble and anguish have found me out,
    but your commandments are my delight.
Your testimonies are righteous forever;
    give me understanding that I may live.

I rise before dawn and cry for help;
    I hope in your words.
My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
    that I may meditate on your promise.” Psalm 119:97-98,105,111,129-131,140,142-144,147-148

Opening an envelope and then the enclosed letter, unwrapping a gift, unfolding crisp tissue paper to reveal the gift wrapped inside… There is nothing like the sweet anticipation, the savored blend of heartbeat and hand, before a treasure is discovered, and made all our own. Ah, what light and delight the unfolding of God’s word affords!

His word reveals with brilliance who God is, His infinite attributes, His perfect character. The longer we meditate, the more we see; the more we see, the greater we love and adore.

“With you is the fountain of life;
    in your light do we see light.” Psalm 36:9

Unfolding God’s word shines light on what God has done for us. From beginning to end, the Scriptures trace the blood red thread of Jesus Christ: in the early garden promised, in the middle praised and prophesied, in the gospels presented and proclaimed. We see His pursuing conviction, perfect redemption, precious salvation, persistent sanctification.

“Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul 
Thank you, Lord, for making me whole 
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me 
Thy great salvation so rich and free.” ~Besse Sykes (1905-1986) and Seth Sykes (1892-1950)

God’s word is a companion on our daily journey of wisdom, understanding, and help. It supplies appropriate words, teaches right thinking, inspires our work, warns of coming dangers, exposes temptations, strengthens resolve, bouys hope, and directs our steps.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8

Unfolding God’s word- before dawn, at noonday, or in the dark of night- opens to us the Light of the world to flood our hearts, adorn our countenance, and grace our heads with His radiance. We cannot look into it without being changed; it bubbles joy out through our affection and ministry to others.

“Those who look to him are radiant,
    and their faces shall never be ashamed...“ Psalm 34:5

What will we do, or adjust, to make God’s word our meditation all the day? What voices need to go so we can best establish this habit of His word first?

“Blessed is the man
    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2

Lord, keep me panting for and delighting in Your word, so graciously unfolded and opened to me.

“If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

^“Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” 1 Timothy 4:6-16

All the Christian life is rigorous; the only rest is in Christ. Paul’s exhortation to young Timothy is to keep on as a good servant in constant training. As physical training for a sport is beneficial and necessary to enable competition, training in godliness prepares us for our days on earth and our eternity in heaven. Our goal as Christians is not victory here, but Christ Himself here and there. (Matthew 11:28-30)

Train, toil, strive, command, teach, set an example, exercise, practice, devote yourself, persist. Every command is active, dynamic. As Christ’s servants, we are never to be spiritually sedentary, given to apathy or sloth. As His children, we are bound by duty to obey, and our efforts reflect on the family name. There is no giving up, no retirement for His followers.

The Lord has appointed and anointed us each with gifts, and prepared good works for us to do. Every one of us is distinct, each has a job to do with what we have been specifically entrusted. We are here to serve Him and His will, not ourselves or our own, and our call is to be good at this service; excellence reflects Him. (Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 2:10)

Weariness may come if we set our own goals and exert our plans in our own strength. Paul reminds here that the goal is Jesus, who is our hope who strengthens us. We may grow weary in the work, but He will supply sufficiently in our weakness so we never need weary of His work. (2 Corinthians 12:9; Galatians 6:9; Philippians 4:19; 2 Thessalonians 3:13)

Are we as scrupulous in sacred training as we are for earthly endeavors? How conscientious are we in maintaining spiritual disciplines in order to know the Lord Jesus through His word and communion in prayer? Are we as careful to guard our time with Him as we are to keep other appointments, to do His kingdom work as we would work for our own benefit?

Lord, train me in godliness. Shape my will to do Your work, and with rigor and zeal, to be more like You. (John 4:34)

“Arise, shine, for your light has come,
    and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” Isaiah 60:1

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14,16

“What we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:5-6

“Be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life.” Philippians 2:15-16

The vastness of blues of water and sky fills me with rapturous praise for their measureless Maker. Flecks and flicks of fish sprinkle up from the surface, splash to the right, to the left, in front. There is something almost humorous, certainly smile-inducing, about their happy exertion to flip up and reflect the early sun’s light like so much twinkling silver. Could I be such a fleck of light in my world? Would I be? 

So much conversation today, even air thick with unseen and unspoken tension, weighs the heart down. The enemy prince of the power of that air is constantly working to depress us, detract us, diminish or extinguish the light by which we see and shine. Bad news, worse news, foreboding dangers are said to loom before us, inviting reaction, and many surrender to their lure to dark and narrow thinking. (Ephesians 2:2)

Yet I, my Jesus within, have the opportunity not only to share His light when asked, but to shine it, breaking through the surface of fear and gloom to flicker its gleam into conversations, its smile into masked anxiety, its divine gems into earthly occupations and sullen absorptions. Would I seek out such opportunities? (John 1:4-5; 8:12)

Am I so continually filled with the Spirit that when I’m bumped by another’s rudeness or stress, or put on a spot, He splashes out? Do I ask the Lord to energize me to move among others, to inflect my speech with His joy, to sprinkle surprise tokens of genuine love and leave behind flecks of heavenly encouragement along my path? (Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:18-20)

What opportunities has the Lord given us that we might be ignoring because of self-absorption, busyness, or a calloused heart? What might change in our perspective, our prayers, our plans, so we can be deliberate and active in sparkling His silver for spiritual paupers to behold, and take hold? Are we willing to be made willing?

Lord, cause Your face to shine on me, and lift Your countenance upon me, that I may strew flecks of Your light wherever I go. (Numbers 6:25-26)

“Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, ‘Arise, and depart with your household, and sojourn wherever you can, for the Lord has called for a famine, and it will come upon the land for seven years.’ So the woman arose and did according to the word of the man of God. She went with her household and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years. And at the end of the seven years, when the woman returned from the land of the Philistines, she went to appeal to the king for her house and her land. Now the king was talking with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying, ‘Tell me all the great things that Elisha has done.’ And while he was telling the king how Elisha had restored the dead to life, behold, the woman whose son he had restored to life appealed to the king for her house and her land. And Gehazi said, ‘My lord, O king, here is the woman, and here is her son whom Elisha restored to life.’ And when the king asked the woman, she told him. So the king appointed an official for her, saying, ‘Restore all that was hers, together with all the produce of the fields from the day that she left the land until now.’” 2 Kings 8:1-6

The Shunammite woman was known for her generous hospitality to Elisha, and he in turn looked out for her. Whether or not her elderly husband had died, the prophet knew years of famine would take their difficult toll, so he sent her off to sojourn for better supply. Only God could have maneuvered the intersection, after seven years, of knowledgeable Gehazi, the king, and the returning woman. This was no chance meeting. (2 Kings 4:8-37)

We breathe and stretch and organize and go about our days in selected dress and managed plans of our doing, and all the while our sovereign God orchestrates our movements and lavishes His loving care in ways we would never have conceived. How aware are we of His attentiveness? Of the times and ways He gives abundantly more than what we ask or imagine? Do we even expect, or pay attention to, His heavenly intervention in our banal living? Are we so independent and self-controlled that we neglect to consider or seek His guidance or favor? (Ephesians 3:20)

The Lord’s grace is always sufficient, and is in its nature divinely rich and undeserved. God loves without bounds, and delights to provide for His children, returning on them blessing for blessing. He is bountiful and generous, and His ways match His character. He knows what we need, and gives in response to our asking, liberally to all without finding fault. (Proverbs 11:25; Matthew 7:7-11; 2 Corinthians 12:9; James 1:5)

How will we respond to God’s grace today? Will we trace it, relish it, and thank Him for it? Will we seek it, rely on it, and in turn offer it to others? How abundantly more can we live and give because of our Lord’s ‘abundantly more’ to us?

Father, You are good and do good, lavishly beyond my expectations. Thank you. Help me reflect Your abundance and love by extending, to all I meet, Your generous grace, for the magnification of Your glory. (Psalm 119:68)

“Once when the king of Syria was warring against Israel, he took counsel with his servants, saying, ‘At such and such a place shall be my camp.’ But the man of God sent word to the king of Israel, ‘Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are going down there.’ And the king of Israel sent to the place about which the man of God told him. Thus he used to warn him, so that he saved himself there more than once or twice.

“And the mind of the king of Syria was greatly troubled because of this thing, and he called his servants and said to them, ‘Will you not show me who of us is for the king of Israel?’ And one of his servants said, ‘None, 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.’ And he said, ‘Go and see where he is, that I may send and seize him…’ He sent [to Dothan] horses and chariots and a great army by night and surrounded the city.

“ 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.” 2 Kings 6:8-17

The Syrian king considered himself at the top of intelligence and influence, so any conundrum must be the work of man. Eyes swelled with pride shifted to glares of suspicion; surely one among his ranks was a traitor if he could not get his way. He did not even consider that One higher and greater was at work.

When we like the pomp of a high position, we think too highly of man. When we think too highly of man, we limit our scope of understanding by failing to consider the supernatural. If man is master of the universe, then we see all threats, challenges, and competition as on relatively equal ground, man vs. man. Our focus is on how we can win. We restrict (even subconsciously) our thinking and planning and reacting to a horizontal, human plain.

Yet Almighty God, who is sovereign over the affairs of man, is vertically, actively involved in our every day. Knowing Him, delighting in and trusting Him, adds a dimension to life that is rich with power, expectancy, and hope.

Am I so inundated with the world that my view is limited by its antics? Time in worship, considering and praising the lofty King of kings, is a worthy spirit reset. It refreshes our perspective, enhances our confidence, and ensures unshakable peace in the midst of strife.

Lord, lift my eyes above the fray to Your Spirit realm. Give me eyes to see Your workings in daily struggles, and to trust absolutely that You are greater than any power in this world. (1 John 4:4)