Like the frightened servant, we wonder what to do. I find hope in Elisha’s reply. He allayed his servant’s fear with a prayer! Elisha prayed for his servant to see what Elisha already saw – the protective presence of the Lord, shining in fiery array all around them. Yes, the threat of the enemy army was real, but God’s protection was just as real. Elisha and his servant saw the reality of what the psalmist describes: ‘As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and for evermore’ . The landscape of our lives may change abruptly. Threatening circumstances may loom large. But we are always enfolded by the protective power of God.

 

Prayer: Mighty Father, give us Elisha’s eyes! Help us sense your watchful protection always surrounding us. Amen