Centered

Often when I feel uncertain and threatened, I put myself in a position of defense of putting my back against the wall. I figure if something is threatening my security I want to see it and be able to face it. If I am with a group of people we might all put our backs together each facing outward to defend each other. But what if there were a different position to take? What if our focus was shifted to someone who was greater and could effectively deal with our enemies?

The Old Testament sometimes challenges us in unexpected ways. I was reading this morning in the book of Numbers. It begins the story of Israel's conquest two years after being set free from slavery to Egypt. In chapter 2 God commands the people to arrange themselves around the tabernacle, the place of God's presence. They are going into unknown territory and there will be opposition so I assumed that they would be arranged with their focus outward toward the potential dangers. God commands them this way, "They shall camp facing the tent of meeting on every side."

This is amazing. God is taking His people whom He loves into dangerous and unknown territory (from our perspective) and commanding them to face Him, not their dangers. Why? The greatest danger is not the enemy outside. The greatest danger is forgetting God; letting other things occupy our focus than Him.

What dangers are you facing? What worries occupy your mind? Rather than trying to face them in your own strength, you should face God and worship Him. The wonderful news is that because of Jesus, we don't need an external temple. God has chosen, by His Spirit, to be with us in every circumstance of life. Re-orient your life toward Jesus. He is your strength and protection.