Psalm 16:8 I have set the LORD continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
‘When a man is out of sight, it is not too long before he is out of mind’ – Victor Hugo
God’s presence and His Word must not be behind us, not beside us but before us, continually. If He is behind us we will certainly forget Him. If He is beside us we might ignore Him but if He is before us we cannot go forward without engaging with Him. It is important to put God before us to overcome the challenges that we face, if not before we realize fear and frenzy would gobble us alive.
When God is before us and our eyes are fixated on Him, fear can never consume us. Elisha was a prophet who had his spiritual eyes fixed on the Lord. Hence when the army of the Arameans surrounded him, he was not perturbed. He did not call for a fasting and prayer nor did he question God. His eyes were continually preset on the Lord of Hosts. The servant of Elisha was petrified that the army of the enemy had surrounded them with horses and chariots but Elisha confidently said, ‘The number of armed and fiery angelic soldiers with us is more than the Aramean army against us’ (paraphrased). And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha (2 Kings 6:17). Presetting the Lord continually before us will defeat all fear, foreboding or fret of the future.
Is the Lord continually before us?
1. Fear: Fear is an emotion that blinds our eyes. If we continuously allow our mind to meditate on fearful thoughts about the future or a bad forecast, fear has taken the place of God. If overwhelmed with fear, check who or what is before you. Set the Lord before you continually.
2. Friends: Friends, their opinion and advice can dominate our thoughts. If we are controlled by the thoughts, attitude or the judgment of friends, we will drown and be dragged by people. Friends can suggest and share their views but only the truth from God’s word should lead. Promises should supersede counsels and recommendations from people.
3. Finance: Finance and our bank balance can grip us with anxiety and apprehensions. Jesus said, do not worry about tomorrow,your heavenly Father knows that you need them (Matthew 6:32b). Worrying is a sin. It is not a habit or an inherited trait. God knows our needs. He is fully aware that we have mortgage payments, school fees, electricity bills and grocery bills to pay. Don’t worry; set the Lord continually before you.
Setting the Lord before us will overrule fear, opinions of friends and financial challenges. He will open our spiritual eyes to the divine provisions and treasures.
2 Kings 6:16 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
Prayer: Father God, I set you before me on my right hand so I will not be overwhelmed by problems, people or petty money issues. Amen.
Leave a Reply