Daily Devotional

“Elisha prayed, and said, ‘Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ Then 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 6:17). 

The king of Syria was beside himself. Every time he made a move against the king of Israel, his opponent seemed to know what he was going to do before he did it. It was unnerving and maddening! 

Finally, he called his men together and asked which of them was for Israel. 

One of his servants stepped forward and filled him in. “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” (2 Kings 6:12). 

When the Syrian king found out Elisha was in Dothan, he sent an army one night to surround the entire city. He was determined to capture Elisha and end this intelligence leak. 

In the morning, Elisha got up and looked outside and saw the army surrounding the city. His servant panicked, but the prophet calmly answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (verse 16). He then prayed that the Lord would open his servant’s eyes. 

God opened the young man’s eyes, and he saw an amazing and comforting sight—horses and chariots of fire on the mountain all around them! They had nothing to fear because they were surrounded by the angels of the Lord. 

If we’re trusting in God, we should remember that things aren’t always as they appear. God often works behind the scenes to accomplish His purposes out of our sight, but He always has things under control. According to Scripture, “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28, emphasis added). 

Whenever we’re in trouble, we can be sure God is well aware of our situation. And we can always depend on Him when we ask for help. 

Dear Lord, when I am afraid, help me to remember to look up and seek Your guidance.