This time the second wave of the Covid-19 swept our city New Delhi again. We were surrounded by the alarming news of a health crisis. It is worst in every aspect than the first wave due to certain reasons.
Once again, we were surrounded by fear, in our helplessness. I even stopped watching the news or keep updating myself. The sovereign republic ruler of the world has failed big time.
In this time of frantic calls, it is comfortable to remind ourselves of the sovereign power which surrounded us by his grace. It will be a matter of choice, for some, but the consistent presence of God in these times is inevitable.
Here I would like to remind you that the Lord has surrounded the faithful believer with the unseen flaming of fire. If not, we’re unworthy opponents of what the world is facing right now. I believe it shall be a lesson to teach each of us the Great Faithfulness of the Lord.
This morning when I woke up from my bed, and as I kneeled in distress, I am led to these Bible verses I am going to share with you. What do you think surrounded you? We will now see for you to decide.
Elisha and the Youngman Surrounded:
The Assyrian king was after Elisha, with his great army of horses and chariot, when he came to know his plan was foiled by the messenger. The king’s bid to capture Israel failed, shortly speaking. Thus they go after Elisha in Dothan.
When the young man, who was with Elisha, arose in the morning he saw a great army surrounding them. He was terrified. Yet Elisha assured him not to fear.
“Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” He assured. And 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 6:16-17
Pestilence may take its toll, in the unseen hours of the day and night. But it is a great privilege to have God by our side. He surrounded us!
The Lord Surrounds his people:
Mountains did not move, if in any case, it may move, still, the Lord never move away from his people. It takes a leap of faith to trust in the Lord. Taking refuge in the Lord and trusting in him will keep us safe warmly in his presence. Are you God’s people – saved by the blood of Jesus Christ? If so, we are His Children!
Those who trust in the LORD
Are like Mount Zion,
Which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
So the LORD surrounds His people
From this time forth and forever. Psalms 125
Here we read that the Lord surrounded his people just as the mountains which never move away. Yet it needs trust and putting faith in him to experience the feeling. Jesus said, I will not leave you in John 14.
Do not be tempted as if there’d be no struggling or hard times. It is, however, that the Lord had surrounded us even in our worst moment. He sees where we and what we’ve been through.
Surrounded by Mountains:
Those committing to God shall be safe under his protection. Committing to the Lord is a natural fastness and fortification in the mountains just as Jerusalem and the mountains around it.
Those mountains not only sheltered it from winds and tempests, and broke the force of them, but made it also very difficult to access for an enemy; such a defense is God’s providence to his people.
The Lord will find a way for his people even when all hope is gone. The mountains are hard to see at times. We do not possess sufficient trust to see the mountains. However, by not us seeing the mountains doesn’t mean the presence of God is not with us. The mountains are our strong tower where we can worship and praise even in our troubled times.
Safety in the Abiding Presence of God:
Several times I have written on the abiding presence of God. It is my experiencing of the abiding presence of God that wakes me up several times in the hospital and at our home. Further, let me reiterate here again that my site derived its name from the abiding presence of the savior throughout the darkest hours of my life.
For some, it takes a deep plunge through the helplessness to know the abiding presence of God. It holds true in my journey as well. Psalms 91 talks of dwelling safely in the secret place of the Most High.
The Lord is our refuge and fortress, our deliverer from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. Blessed is the person whose dwelling place is in the Lord. No evil shall befall him and the angels will take charge over them since the power of the Lord surrounds them.
Seeing what Surrounds us:
Before I end herewith please ask yourselves what do you surround yourselves with? Is it a matter of choice for you? Do you trust in the Lord’s provision for us? The Lord have surrounded us with his song of deliverance. Psalms 32:7
Should we be able to see what surrounds us day in and day out, fear and distress would have no place in us. Yet many times our spiritual eyes need opening. We may seek help from the Lord to open our eyes. Then, we’ll see what surrounds us.
Today we see what surrounds us in the news articles and statistics. But this is a gentle reminder to all of us to see what really surrounds us so that we may have peace and comfort in our hearts forever!
Psalms 139:5-7 reads
You have surrounded me on every side, behind me and before me,
and You have placed Your hand gently on my shoulder.
It is the most amazing feeling to know how deeply You know me, inside and out;
the realization of it is so great that I cannot comprehend it.
Can I go anywhere apart from Your Spirit?
Is there anywhere I can go to escape Your watchful presence?
1 thought on “Surrounded: Watchful Presence”