Fear Daily Devotional - Feb. 26

February 26, 2008

Joshua 10:2
2:…that they feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, like one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all its men were mighty.

Comment:

This passage follows the verses that tell how King AdoniZedek of Jerusalem heard of Joshua’s highly successful battles in Ai and Jericho.  They were deeply afraid.’ ‘They’, that is Adoni-zedek and his advisers. Terror struck them for they recognized the fate that awaited them and the caliber of the forces they faced.  But rather than doing as Gibeon did and making peace with Israeland Joshua, he decided to fight.  Not only did he plan to go up against Joshua & Gibeon, he went to other Kings in the surrounding areas and convinced them to go to war along with him. 

This passage got me thinking.  How often do I look out around me and see situations that cause me to have fear.  I see the situations of the world,  all  the changes that are around us,  I listen to the daily news, and fear rises up.   

Then what do I do? Rather than spend the time to seek  the Lord, move closer to Him by spending more time listening to His direction, in other words making peace with Him (as Gibeon did with Joshua) I move in the other direction.  I go to my friends, my family, other leaders around me, and ask them to help me fight the battles that rage around me.  Hmm.  Seems like I do much like AdoniZedek and set myself up for a fall!

AdoniZedek could have done as Gibeon did and work to make peace with Joshua, rather than fight and take so many others with him.

Lord, please warn me when I see the battles around me, that with You there is nothing to fear.  Help me to keep in peace with you always,  so I can be ready for each battle,.  Rather than bring others to the battle, help me lead them toYou. Amen.