SURROUNDED
05th Aug 2020
There is an amazing story in 2 Kings 6:14-23. Israel are surrounded by the Arameans. Elisha is in the city with the armies of Israel. When the morning dawns they realise that the enemy has trapped them. Elisha’s servant sees this dilemma and asks, “Oh, my Lord, what shall we do?”
2 Kings 6:16-17 says, “Don’t be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them. And Elisha prayed, ‘O Lord open his eyes so he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servants eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
It is so easy in these times of lockdown to feel isolated and surrounded by the enemy, be that fear of infection, or just loneliness and separation. As I was reading Psalm 32 the word “surrounded” jumped off the page. Verse 7 says, “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”
There is a worship song we sing in church, “This is how I fight my battles, It may look like I’m surrounded, but I’m surrounded by you.” The psalm says that God is surrounding you with songs of deliverance. In times of trial it is good to be surrounded by songs that declare God’s power, might and deliverance. Joyce and I have found ourselves singing all sorts of songs during these strange times - both ancient and modern! Songs that speak into the situations that are all around us.
I am sure that God is bring them into our minds because He knows we need to be surrounded by His faithfulness, power and victory. We can enjoy listening to songs that encourage and strengthen, but it is important to sing them out - don’t worry about the quality of your voice!
The psalm ends, “The Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the man or woman who trusts in him. Rejoice and be glad, you righteous, sing, all you who are upright in heart!”
by Charles Sibthorpe
