Let's begin 2022 from a different vantage point.
First, let's look at the story of a prophet who, because he had a different perspective of things, did not sink in fear of the hostile army that cornered him.
In 2 Kings 6, we see the king of Syria at war with Israel. He planned to set a trap for the king of Israel on several occasions but was foiled each time. Israel's king seemed to know where he would set up the ambush.
He was so frustrated that he confronted all his men and demanded to know if there was anyone among them spying for Israel. Finally, someone said that the prophet Elisha was the one telling the king of Israel all his secrets, even those spoken in his bedroom.
The Syrian king quickly set about looking for Elisha. When he found out that the prophet was in Dothan, he lost no time in sending his army. He wanted to capture this revealer of secrets at all costs.
When Elisha's servant woke up early the next day, he was terrified by the sight before him. A mighty army had blockaded their city.
The other viewpoint
Whenever we face problems or crises of any kind, we always look at what is before us and base our decisions on what we see and the facts that we've gathered. The shock of an unexpected event sometimes leaves us blindsided not knowing how to respond.
We succumb to worry, fear, anger, or hopelessness. Why are these things happening to us? What are we supposed to do now? Someone must answer for causing trouble! What would be the best solution? Is there an escape route? We run to whom we think can help us in that time of great need.
Let's go back to Elisha's servant and see what he did next.
He was frightened by what was in front of him. Who wouldn't be? The city, that attracted mostly shepherds who bring their flocks because of Dothan's two wells, was now besieged by Syria's threatening army of chariots and horses
The servant's physical eyes saw the menacing Syrian contingent surrounding them. What was more staggering however was what he saw when God opened his eyes.
He went to his master Elisha and reported what he had seen. To his surprise, the prophet remained calm and told him that those who are with them are more than those who are surrounding the city!
What happened next proved that there was no need for the servant to be afraid after all.
Elisha asked God to open his servant's eyes so he could see what Elisha was seeing. When his eyes were opened, he saw the mountain filled with horses and chariots of fire surrounding his master. Heaven's army was protecting them and ready for battle!
His angle
When we have God's perspective, we discern things differently.
The past two years have mentally and emotionally stretched us as the virus that started a global crisis continued to evolve into many strains. The world swayed from fear to hope to relief as vaccines were released but only to be brought back to anxiety again as new strains keep emerging.
Admittedly, it is not easy to see things from a divine point of view all the time because we react to what is tangible and what we see with our physical eyes.
Are the things before you making you scared? Perhaps, it's time to have a different perspective and ask God to open your eyes.
All it takes is a simple request: God, let me see what You see.
He will definitely answer you and most likely show you something that you've never expected. Sometimes, He reveals the big picture immediately or He may show it a little while later.
Rest
If you had not noticed it, New Year's Eve fell on a Friday. Biblically, that is the beginning of Shabbat or sabbath day. Isn't it amazing that we entered 2022 on a day of rest?
It is showing us that we are to rest in the Lord even more this year. Resting in the Lord however is not about sitting back and doing nothing.
Instead, we are to completely trust Him and look at things from His perspective. It is only then that we'll be able to respond to situations and people in the way God wants us to in these uncertain times.
This is the year to get into the Bible even more. We're literally renewing our hearts and minds with God's words and thoughts.
To see from His perspective, we need to intentionally spend quality time with Him. Jesus did the same thing while He was on the earth. He purposely went away by himself early in the morning or at the end of the day to pray to God, His Father (Matthew 14:23, Mark 6:46, Luke 6:12, Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16).
Jesus refreshed Himself with God every day and was able to heal many, speak to thousands, and feed multitudes. He wisely answered questions designed to trap Him and discerned the thoughts and intentions of those around Him. At the most crucial point, Jesus rested in His Father, trusted Him wholly, and decided to give His life as a sacrifice for us.
He always had the bigger picture of His Father's plan in mind. He only did what he saw the Father doing. The Father loved Jesus and showed him great works that He will do so that we will marvel.
Jesus was never rattled or became afraid because the Father's peace guarded His heart and mind.
Through His eyes
2022 began with another threat of a new strain of COVID19 spreading in different parts of the world. We can face it with dread and fear or we can ask God to show us what He sees. I pray that we'll all choose the latter.
Father, open our eyes and let us see what You are doing. Let us know how You want us to respond to what is happening around us. Make us Your channels of blessing, encouragement, hope, and love. Let the world marvel at what You are doing and draw them to You so that they will experience Your favor and love. Let Your peace follow us. Let Your joy strengthen us. Let Your love be known wherever we are. We are grateful because through Your eyes we'll see Your masterplan for 2022 and we know that it is good. Thank You so much. This is our prayer in Jesus' name, amen.
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