Battle Ground

"Don't be distracted by future concerns. Leave them to Me! Each day of life is a glorious gift, but so few people know how to live within the confines of today. Much of their energy for abundant living spills over the time line into tomorrow's worries or past regrets. Their remaining energy is sufficient only for limping through the day, not for living it to the full." --Jesus Calling

2 Chronicles 20 has been my absolute favorite Bible story for a long time. I re-read it tonight and feel a renewed faith that the Lord is perpetually with me in this moment and this season of my life. Future concerns weigh so heavily on me at times that the joy is completely robbed from my TODAY. The story goes that armies are coming against Israel and they are afraid so they all come together to seek the Lord. "And all Judah was standing before the Lord, with their infants, their wives and their children." I love that picture. That's where I am. Look at me, Lord. Do you see me here, pregnant with three small children and a sick husband? Do you see how hard this is? What am I supposed to do?

The story continues that a prophet comes forward with a word from the Lord that Israel will not need to fight in this battle, "for the battle is not yours, but God's... put your trust in the Lord your God and you will be established." Then the king sends out the choir before the army to "give thanks to the Lord for His loving kindness is everlasting." And when they began singing and praising the Lord set ambushes against the other armies and they destroyed each other while Israel watched. It's an amazing story - you should read the whole thing.

The truth is I feel like I've been limping through my days, instead of trusting in the Lord and waiting for His deliverance that is promised to come. It may be a long time before life is "normal" again, but I know that my lot is maintained by my heavenly Father who knows exactly what I need and who is using every opportunity to draw me to Himself.