Our Eyes Are on You

“We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us.  We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you” (II Chronicles 20:12).

As we go through our days, we can keep our eyes fixed on many things, if not literally then figuratively.  We may focus on health concerns, financial difficulties, relationship issues, unfulfilled dreams and desires, and countless other problems.

The above verse reminds us of where our eyes should be. It was spoken by Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, when his people were under attack by enemy nations.  God told the people not to be discouraged, for the battle was not theirs, but His.  They were to face the enemy, stand firm, and trust the Lord.  The people responded in worship. They obeyed God, marched out singing praises to Him, and saw His mighty deliverance.

We can learn some lessons from this king.  Jehoshaphat kept his eyes on the Lord rather than on his problems. He acknowledged God’s power and might.  He presented his requests before the Lord.  He obeyed God’s commands. His army then faced their enemies singing songs of praise and faith, believing God would give them the victory He promised.

Our eyes can easily stay focused on our problems and pain.  Praise sometimes gets lost among all our requests.  We fall into our default modes of worry, fear, and control, rather than following God’s commands to be anxious for nothing and to remember that with Him all things are possible.  And we don’t always trust God enough for the outcomes to praise Him in advance for victory.

We may be attacked by a “vast army” of problems, and we may have no idea what to do.  But we can be sure that by keeping our eyes on the Lord, He will deliver us, either from them or through them.  He is our Jehovah-Nissi (Our Banner) – our source of strength and our assurance of victory.

Prayer:  O God, I can become so easily distracted by my pain and problems that I forget to look to You for direction, strength, and peace.  Keep my eyes fixed on You and Your promises throughout each day, and let me declare in faith that You will be my victory. Amen.

(There is a great contemporary worship song that ties in with this devotional – Exalted One by Elevation Worship - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2-0g4K8wmU).