2 Kings 6:15-17 "When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, 'Alas, my master! What shall we do?' He said, 'Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them,' Then Elisha prayed and said, 'O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.' So 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."

The Syrian army was looking for this man of God who had been hindering their attempts to harm the nation of Israel. When they found out what city Elisha was living in, a great army and horses and chariots were sent to seize him by night. Suddenly, Elisha and his servant found themselves surrounded on all sides by enemies.

The servant looked out and saw horses and chariots and a great army. He saw overpowerment, he saw capture, he saw no escape and no hope. The servant dispaired. "Alas my master! What shall we do?" He cried out to Elisha. His perception filled his heart with fear. What would he have done but hide or run away?

But Elisha looked out and saw a differant picture. I'm sure he noticed the Syrian army and their horses and chariots. He realized that he was surrounded and powerless. But what the gaze of his heart was fixed on was not the Syrian army but the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire, from God, ready to fight for and protect him. And because of what he saw, he remained steadfast for he knew that the Syrian army was great but "those who are with us are more than those who are with them."

The same is with us, for our reactions are based on our perception. How we see things determines our attitude. For sure we are powerless against the attacks of the enemy. I can chose to focus on this hopeless fact and let his tactics overwhelm me. Or I can set my eyes unwaveringly on the chariots of fire that are ready to do battle for me. Problems are overwhelming until we open our eyes and fix them on the Savior who is looking on us with mercy and loving kindness.

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)

"The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them." (Psalm 34:7)

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:31-32)

To practically apply this verse, tomorrow at the beginning of my day I will make a journal entry of praise to Jesus, helping to focus my eyes on him.