A Wise Shift

So often in our lives we look at our circumstances. The pile of work on our desk that keeps getting bigger. The children that are about to get out of school for the summer. The lack of communication in your marriage. The illness our doctor just found. The addiction we can not seem to overcome. And we become overwhelmed and discouraged. We can not see a way out, the task is too large. Our spirits fall. We do not know what to do.

I was recently reading 2 Chronicles chapter 20. It was a great example of what we can do when we feel overwhelmed by life. The people of Judah have learned that a great army is on the way. The king called all of the people together to pray.  The first step we need to take is to pray. This may seem simple and too easy but if we are facing sure defeat God is the first place we should turn.

Admit to God that you are overwhelmed. As the king and the people prayed they said , "For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." if you are a control freak like me admitting that you do not know what to do is hard. Admitting that you are feeling defeated and powerless against the circumstance.That you can not fix this on your own is a freeing feeling. I can do all things (love when I do not like, forgive when I have been wronged, be patient when I am in a hurry) through Christ who gives me strength.

Next find some encouragement. After they had prayed a man in the crowed called out, "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the horde. For the battle is not yours, but Gods." Amazing. Do not fear the horde of paperwork, the horde of children, the horde of silence, the horde of illness, nor the horde of addiction. You will not be defeated by the Horde. The battle is not yours but Gods. you are not fighting this battle alone. You don't even have to fight it. It is Gods and he is not afraid or discouraged.

If you know someone facing a struggle find a verse and e-mail it, text it, leave it on their voice mail. Often times we do not know what people are facing but be an encourager. Scripture is full of encouragement. Pick one and share it. Write it out an place it in a spot that you will see. Be encouraged the battle belongs to God.

The army goes out the next morning and is told to take up their positions, stand firm and watch the deliverance the Lord will give you. The army had to show up. We can not stand by and expect a magic solution. We have to do what we need to.We have to go to work. We have to take care of the children. We have to love our spouse. We have to look at our medical options. We have to seek recovery. But we are not responsible for the outcome of the battle. The deliverance comes from the Lord.

Finally, the army sings praises, not after the battle there was too much to plunder, but as they were waiting and facing the enemy they sang, "Give thanks to the Lord for his love endures forever." Praise even if the horde grows bigger. Praise even when you feel discouraged. Praise.

This is not a magic cure that if you follow these steps your problems will vanish. They may not. But you will have surrendered, been encouraged and praised. Your focus will shift from the Horde to the Lord and that is a good place to be. And that is a wise shift.