Let God do his Job. Daily Devotional, October 5, 2009

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 20-21, Ezekiel 31, Ephesians 1-2

I’ll admit that every now and then I get a little paranoid about the swine flu. The media has hyped it so much that my maternal mind can easily wander into worst-case scenarios. First I start over-analyzing every cough, sneeze, and sniffle that comes from my little ones. Strange dreams lately? Must be the swine flu! Unusual bowel movement? Swine flu! My husband now has a facebook account?! He must not be feeling well! Swine flu! I begin to think of the end times, the mark of the beast and how I can plan to go hide in the mountains to protect my children! (Okay before you turn me into the local psychiatric ward, please know I am exhaggerating!) I realize that my train of thought is silly, but if we let a thought of fear run wild, it can run us right into a pitfall!

In 1 Chronicles 21, David takes a Census of all the land. It was a sin, and many scholars have often debated why this was wrong in God’s eyes. I believe for a moment, David needed assurance of victory. He felt overwhelmed, fearful and uncertain but instead of looking to God has his source of victory he began to look at himself and his abilities and resources. He told Joab to go and count the Isrealites so that he would know the capacity of his troops. Although Joab advised against it, David overruled him and sinned against the Lord.

In Ezekiel 31 God is dealing with Pharaoh for the same reason. He looked to his own strength, became prideful, and God said he was going to bring down the nation because of it. Sure, Egypt was majestic and flourishing and David had a great number of troops but in both situations God was there to remind him that their trust should not be in those things, but rather in HIM.
There are many uncertainties we face in life that if we focus on them for too long we can easily take our eyes off of God as our protector and provider and we begin to put ourselves in that role. We can have all the resources, abilities, support and strength in the world, but if our trust is in those things we will be disappointed.

When you hear news about troubling times, don’t run to the hills in fear, check your bank account for security, or go buy loads of protective swine flu gear. There is a saying, "prayerlessness is pride." When we don’t run to God about our concerns and fears, we are essentially saying "I can do this on my own." Let God do his job as your providor, protector, comfort, healer, peace, and strength. It is a heavy load to bear trying to figure it out on your own, but He will gladly take his place as Lord of All if you let him.

Melissa Miller

Tomorrow's reading: 1 Chronicles 22, Ezekiel 32, Ephesians 3-4