I
keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be
shaken.
(Psalm 16:8)
As
they danced, they sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David
his tens of thousands.” (I Samuel 18:7)
Imagine
going into battle with David or Joshua by your side. And let’s be real about
it. If they stood beside you as an enemy approached, they’d likely tell you to hide
in a cave, while they did the fighting. At least, they’d put me in a cave, and
probably block it up with stones. They’d probably tell me to boil some water
and do the dishes while they took care of the fighting, because they’d want tea
when they were done. None of that is
because I’m a woman. It’s because I’m not a warrior and doing them would keep
me occupied and let me feel as if I’m supporting the cause while they’re out
doing what I can’t. If I fought at their side, I’d probably get them killed.
This is why when I see those memes about whether I’d help a cop in trouble, I
have to say, “Um, no. Sorry.” Chances are too good that my involvement would make things vastly worse
for the poor officer if I did any more than called 9-1-1.
Of
course, what made David and Joshua so magnificent in battle was that God was at
their right hands. So, God at my right hand is even better than David or Joshua
at my right hand. Equally obviously, I find it much easier to look at the
problem than to keep my eyes on the Lord. What’s worse is that I find it even
easier to look at the problems than to keep my eyes on the Lord. And the
worst is that I find it easier to look at the problems that aren’t even
problems yet than to keep my eyes on the Lord.
Some
people talk about what they call a “centering prayer.” The purpose seems to be
to address just the problem I’m talking about. As my mind goes into a tailspin,
I need to look to God. The prayer that comes to mind is:
Oh Lord, You are God, and I am not. I bow the knee. Guide me in the way I should go.
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