Psalm 46:1-3 says, “God is our protection and source of strength. He is always ready to help us in times of trouble.  So we are not afraid when the earth quakes and the mountains fall into the sea. We are not afraid when the seas become rough and dark and the mountains tremble.” 

There is only one thing we need to focus on and that is God. If we know Him as our protection and source of strength, we will not fear or question when things happen around us. That takes a lot of focus! That also takes discipline, because there will always be things happening around us that try to cause us to fear. Things that vie for our attention, like our children saying, “Mom! Mom! Mom!” while we’re talking on the phone. Man that used to irritate me!

Once again I hear God say, “Glance at the problem, focus on me!” That forces me to return to the secret place, where I rest in the tent of my God, listening to His plans for victory and success. I find myself dwelling there more and more as the world around me becomes less of a safe place. I rarely listen to the news or read articles about current events anymore. I simply can’t afford to lose sight of my assignment; to be a light in the darkness, a city set on a hill that cannot be hid. If I focus on my assignment, I can trustthat God goes before me to clear out the obstacles, making my path straight.

Is it easy? No. I’m sure that if you ask any of our soldiers going into battle just how they do it, they will tell you that they listen and obey. They know their assignment and they do what they’re told to do. They have one objective-to conquer the enemy. They obey the plans that have been set for them, whatever the cost. We also have one commander, Jesus Christ. He has given us marching orders, to make disciples. Ours is a mission of love, healing and serving others. Bringing them comfort at the cost of our own. We must not be distracted or driven off course by our own agendas or purposes. We are soldiers of the cross. We must be united in purpose-His, not ours.

Father, we repent of our own agendas. We have been silly children, running around, playing our games and asking for frivolous things. We have allowed ourselves to be self-centered and self-seeking instead of the self-less warriors you’ve called us to be. We’ve become full of fear from what we see around us instead of locking eyes with You and only listening to Your voice. Forgive us for our willful ways. Cause our hearts to trust in you again. Cause us to clear the cobwebs of distrust and remember it is You who made us, we are Yours. When the enemy comes in, like a flood the Spirit of the Lord raises up a standard (of recognized excellence or established authority) against them. No one is more powerful than You, Father. No one. We place our hope and trust in You. It’s in Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.