2 Kings 6:13-17
He said, “Go and find where he is; I will send and seize him.” He was told, “He is in Dothan.” So he sent horses and chariots there and a great army; they came by night and surrounded the city.
When an attendant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. His servant said, “Alas, master! What shall we do?” He replied, “Do not be afraid, for there are more with us than there are with them.” Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the servant, and he saw; the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
In this bible passage we find one of the miracle stories in the Old Testament. The king of Israel was at war with the king of Aram. There was lots of tribal warfare in those times. The prophet, Elisha, (successor to Elijah) warned the Israelite king about an Aramean encampment so that he would not be captured. When the Aramean king found out, he sent his army of soldiers and chariots to capture Elisha and his servant.
The servant arose one morning and saw the entire army arrayed around them. He was very frightened. Who wouldn't be? Elisha said to his servant, "Don't be afraid." He prayed that God would strike the army with blindness. That is what happened, and Elisha and his servant were not harmed.
It may seem absurd to see an enemy army surrounding you and to be told "Don't be afraid." We find this phrase often in the Bible. Sometimes "Don't be afraid" is spoken to those who had every reason to be afraid. Think of Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness, Moses going to confront Pharoah, Mary, the mother of Jesus, Zechariah in the temple etc. etc.
We are all afraid at times for reasons major and minor (waiting for the pathology report, sitting in the surgery waiting room, waiting for a phone call that your child is safe, making an important decision etc.) In the midst of fear, we are reminded that God is beside us and will see us through all circumstances. Trusting in God is our best security system.
Heavenly Father,
We will be afraid at times. Please give us a calm mind and heart knowing you are with us in all situations. Help us to replace fear with trust.
Amen