Read: Second Kings 6:8-17 and Second Corinthians 5:7
My family and I have lived in this community for just over eight years. It is a small suburb that has a mixture of socio-economic flavors. A few miles in one direction and you are plunged into up-scale neighborhoods, brimming with the arts, high-end shops, and posh restaurants. A few miles in another direction and industrial parks, gravel pits, recycling centers and the like, line the roadway. There is much variety to experience here.
The street where we live is unique as well. For although we are in the suburbs, we enjoy a rural setting. Eleven homes sit quietly on one and two acre properties. Mature trees surround each home, enhancing the country-like atmosphere. We have the privilege of knowing the names of our neighbors, their children, and their pets! It is commonplace to see someone either strolling along thoughtfully, or vigorously working up a sweat.
One spring morning, several years ago, I was out and about for my morning workout. It promised to be a beautiful day, with temperatures reaching the low seventies. Already the morning chill had given way to pleasing warmth. As I was heading up the street, I met one of our neighbors that had just recently moved in. I greeted him warmly, and he replied in kind. Then I proceeded to comment on the spectacular day that had been forecasted for our area. "Isn't this going to be a most incredible day? I said." His reply caught me quite by surprise, for he said, "Yeah, but it's going to rain tomorrow!" It amazed me that he, being so stuck on the potential for tomorrow's rain, was unable to see and bask in the beauty of today.
Elisha's servant suffered a similar condition. The Syrian army had come during the night and surrounded the city where he and Elisha were staying. Upon rising, they discovered what had taken place while they slept. The servant was thrown into a panic. From his perspective, things were looking pretty grim. He must have been thinking, "We're outnumbered. We're going to be killed. There is no hope for us." For he blurted out to Elisha, "Oh my lord, what shall we do?" His eyes were on tomorrow's rain.
But Elisha was viewing the situation from a much different perspective. He was not concentrating on the "what ifs" of life. Yes, the Syrian army had them surrounded. Yes, they were outnumbered, and yes, it had the potential of being a bad situation. Elisha, however, was basking in the beauty of God. His response was, "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."
The enemy of our souls is constantly trying to get us to concentrate on the negatives of life. He desires that our focus be taken off of God and onto the circumstances and "what ifs" of everyday living. He wants to blind our view with the smoke screens and diversions that he creates. When we do that, we fail to see the army of blessings that the Lord has positioned around us to bring His promises into manifestation. Instead of standing peacefully in the midst of the very real circumstances, we will be thrown into a panic, begin to think and speak negatively, thereby increasing the risk of stepping out of God's will for our lives, and possibly losing our witness for Him before men.
Let's purpose to not worry about tomorrow's rain. We can't control whether it comes or whether it doesn't. Instead, let's bask in the beauty of what God is doing in our lives today. When the rain comes, if we do not panic, He will open our eyes to the provision that He has sent to help us weather the storm.
Prayer
Father God, thank You for the assurance of Your abundant supply for the issues of my life. Forgive me for the many times I have responded like Elisha's servant and panicked over a sudden change in my circumstances. Teach me to be like Elisha and rest in knowing that, no matter what, You always come through. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
