1987: How Shall We Do

Through Cod's goodness and faithfulness we may have entered the year 1987. In our nature there is always that tendency to contemplate the future. Especially at the beginning of a new year we wish to know what is in store for us. However, we stand at the beginning of a new year as persons who do not know what the day of tomorrow will bring forth. Man sees that which is before his eyes, and it is always difficult to give the future into the hands of God and to leave it in His almighty hands.

In the text quoted above we hear the fear of the servant of Elisha. He was with his master Elisha in Dothan. There they thought they were safe. But this was true only for a short time. The king of Syria had mobilized a great army and had surrounded the city of Dothan. The purpose of this was to capture Elisha, the man of Cod, and, if possible, to kill him. He had realized that if he could eliminate Elisha, it would be easier to gain the victory over Israel.

When Elisha's servant rose early in the morning and looked out of the window, he saw enemies everywhere. A great host compassed the city about. Horses, chariots, and soldiers were everywhere. Courage failed him, and in fear he cried out, "Alas, my master! how shall we do?" He no longer knew what

to do. He had no strength, no courage, and no prospect. He saw no way to escape from the enemy. The superior forces were too many. They were in a trap. The enemy had the upperhand and escape was out of the question, at least to his servant that was not a possibility. For him the future held no prospect and was ominously dark.

And what are our prospects? What can we expect? There are many who stand at the window of 1987 with the same fears and impossibilities. Alas, what shall we do? This fear is not unfounded. The servant saw reality. The horses and chariots of the enemy were not just pessimistic thoughts. They were reality.

We also see reality. Sin is openly committed and less and less consideration is given to God and His service. The power of evil and seducing spirits surround us. The prospects are dark and ominous. It is apparent that the Lord has a controversy with the inhabitants of the earth. And where the Word and the ordinances of the Lord are neglected, wisdom also is lacking. Then we no longer know what we must do. There is a spirit of anxiety, of despondency, and of helplessness. Also the strength and the trust in the Lord is lacking. A resting in faith and entrusting of our ways unto the Lord is so seldom found.

Who will show us any good? Everything appears to be dark and without prospect. We are surrounded by the dark powers and wiles of Satan. And if we then look at ourselves, the strength and wisdom to offer resistance are lacking and we are not able to wrest away from those powers.

Alas, my master! What shall we do? No, we have no might against the great company that cometh against us. May the Lord give us light in order that we acknowledge and confess our poverty and helplessness. The servant went with the anxiety and need of his heart to his master Elisha, the man of God. And Elisha gave a wonderful answer. He said, "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." What an astonishing answer!

Didn't Elisha see all the enemies? Did he close his eyes for reality? Didn't he hear the noise of the army? Does Elisha belong among the lying prophets who cry, "Peace and safety"? No, none of these. Elisha also saw the enemies, and he did not underestimate them. He knew of their wiles and of their violence. He also knew his own weakness and inability to undertake anything against the enemy. He also knew that he could not deliver himself. He saw all the danger which surrounded him. He was well aware of what is going on. In fact, he even saw much more than his servant did.

Above the power of the enemy he saw the might and goodness of the Lord. He saw the hosts of Israel's God. By faith he rested in God's power and faithfulness. His eyes were enlightened and his heart was aware of God's hand. He rested in God's promises which he had promised, that He would be with His people and would not fail them nor forsake them. That is the prospect of God's children.

Do you see the horses and chariots of fire of God's faithfulness and love which are round about His people?

Oh, what a comfort and quiet strength in the heart of Elisha! What a safe place to live under the shadow of the Almighty! The quiet rest in the heart of Elisha also enabled him to speak with love and concern to his servant. He desired that his servant should also see what he saw. He knew that he could not give this faith unto him. He prayed, "Lord, I pray Thee, open his eyes, that he may see."

Readers, what shall the future bring us? What shall the year 1987 contain for us? This: It shall go well for those who fear the Lord. Those who put their trust in Him have nothing to fear. Do you see the horses and chariots of fire of God's faithfulness and love which are round about His people? Do you see the rich grace which He has promised in Christ Jesus unto His people? "The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him." He will never fail nor forsake His people and His heritage. Difficult times shall come; the Lord comes to judge the world and to punish sin. Anxiety, doubt and despair shall increase. We shall more and more, and that more emphatically, hear the cry of the frightened ones, "What shall we do?"

There is an answer to this anxious question. Let us bow our knees and ask for the power and the light of God's Spirit, so that we flee to the Lord with this question, that we receive of Him a turning and a renewal of our hearts and lives, that we by grace learn to see the riches which the Lord has promised to His people and the sure protection of His people in times of trouble. Then we shall rest in His management and providence. Blessed is he or she who has the God of Elisha as their portion. Then we can surrender the future in His hand. No, that does not mean that we shall be spared from difficulties. There shall be cares and troubles. God's Word teaches us that the afflictions of the righteous shall be many. We shall experience that because of sin we are subject to all sorts of troubles. But in a fleeing by faith unto the Lord we shall go safely under His protecting care. "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength." God's child is spared from despair and excessive fear. How good it is if we may be driven in need unto the throne of grace, when the Lord opens our eyes to what and who He is willing to be for His people.

The lack does not lie with the Lord. But our eyes are so poor that we are blind for God's gracious help. Oh, that the Lord would open our eyes so that we would surrender the unknown future into His hands! There only is it in good hands. He makes no mistakes. Standing at the beginning of a new year, we can only find rest and strength in God's care and leadings.

Lord, open our eyes that we may see.

Rev. H. Hofman is pastor of the Netherlands Reformed Congregation of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

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