Our Eyes Are Upon You

I had a fall in early April that resulted in a concussion, and I’ve been struggling to heal from it. Screens make it worse, so I’ve not been able to read, write, or post for a while. I’m finally getting a little better, but it’s still hard. I can’t write for long, but I do want to share something that was a reminder and encouragement to me as I did my devotions a few days ago.

I was listening to 2 Chronicles 20, about when the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites gathered together and started for Jehoshaphat’s kingdom to make war. There was a lot that I got out of this chapter, but I can’t share all of it at once. For now, I want to share what Jehoshaphat did in the face of overwhelming news of impending war.

Despite his fear, Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast and sought God (verse 3-4). He gathered everyone in the city together, and he called out to God for help. In his prayer, he…

1). Remembered and praised God for who He was and what He’d done in the past. (Verses 6-11)
2). He acknowledged Israel’s weakness and limitations. (Verse 12)
3). He handed his fears over to God, and put his trust in God’s wisdom, character, and plan. (Verse 12)

What are we focusing on in life? Can it help us through the trials and hardships that come our way? O that we would follow in the example of Jehoshaphat by acknowledging our limitations and fully turning our focus and faith to God’s character and power.

“O Lord, the God of our fathers, are You not God in the heavens? And are You not ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand so that no one can stand against You. … O our God … we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”

2 Chronicles 20:6, 12

I’m Not Alone

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I can’t sleep.

I’m in pain, and I’m beyond exhausted. But sleep won’t come. The tears do though. I’ve been crying on and off for the last few hours. The physical pain affects the emotional. The emotional affects the mental. The mental makes the physical pain increase. It’s a horrible state to be in. And in the middle of the night, it’s a very lonely state.

I curl up into a ball and sob into my blanket. Alone. I feel so alone.

But then a thought comes to mind. More specifically, a verse I had read just the previous morning.

“…He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121:3-4

God’s awake?

Yes.

I’m not alone.

Even in my exhaustion and pain. Even in the middle of the night. Family and friends may be sleeping. But God isn’t. He is with me. And His presence brings me great comfort.