In Search of Dawn

When do our problems loom biggest? During the dark of night when we are enveloped by silence, and we feel all alone.  The same was true for Elisha’s servant. He was troubled and restless, he didn’t sleep well. 

A walk in the cool and calm of a new day would help clear his head, he thought. So out he went in search of peace. It was just before dawn, the air was still, and the velvety night sky was filled with stars. As he walked his eyes turned towards the hills. His heart lurched and he was gripped by terror because everywhere he looked in the soft light of this early morning there were soldiers on horseback. Instead of peace, his before-dawn walk brought him terror. 

He raced back into the house, and urgently shook Elisha to awaken him from his peaceful sleep. Breathlessly, he delivered the unsettling news, “We are surrounded by the enemy!” The response was not what the servant expected. Elisha seemed unmoved. The servant wondered if Elisha’s hearing was impaired by sleep. Didn’t he understand what he had just told him? He repeated, “We are surrounded by the enemy! There is no possibility of escape!” But Elisha who had slept peacefully, was alert and he had heard every word. He confidently rose and prayed for similar understanding, calm, and faith for his servant. 

When our problems loom large during the night-watch it is assuring to know that there is an army that encircles us. Elisha’s servant was unnerved by the presence of what seemed like a marauding army but Elisha, the man of God, saw them for what they were— an outnumbered, defeated band outflanked by the armies of the Omnipotent. The angels of Jehovah Sabaoth had encamped around His children.  He did it for Elisha, He has promised to do the same for us as well. 

You need not fear the terrors of the night, the arrow that flies by day, the plague that stalks in the darkness, or the disease that ravages at noon. Though a thousand may fall beside you, and a multitude on your right side, it will not reach you. Psalm 91:5-7.

Hang in there and watch for the dawn! 

Today’s Goal: To trust God with our problems.