As I read 1 Kings 20, I can’t help but consider kings of old and rulers of today hungry for power. As though peoples lives don’t matter; as though God doesn’t matter.

In this chapter the king of Aram and Ahab, king of Israel, are going to war twice and twice God intervenes. The king of Aram was advised, “Their gods are gods of the hills.” v. 23. More chariots and fighting on the plains will defeat the enemy. He learned differently but did he? Do we grasp who God is? Ahab never learned in his lifetime. After letting the king of Aram go, a prophet of God called out to him. As the king passed by, the prophet called out to him, “Your servant went into the thick of battle, and someone came to me with a captive and said, ‘Guard this man. If he is missing, it will be your life for his life, or you must pay a talent of silver.’ While your servant was busy here and there, the man disappeared.” v. 39-40. After Ahab told him he pronounced his own sentence, the prophet revealed himself. He said to the king, “This is what the Lord says: ‘You have set free a man I had determined should die. Therefore it is your life for his life, your people for his people.’ Sullen and angry, the king of Israel went to his palace in Samaria. v. 42-43.

What about us? Do we ever ask who God is? Do we ever consider this life we are given and seek understanding of things we cannot fathom? God reminded me this morning I am fearful of what I don’t yet know. Does that fear sound familiar? How can I know all things? I can’t. Let go. Trust God who does know.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2.

Life is not a game and we are not pawns. We are loved by Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth and all that is. Scripture is rich with the accounts of the lives of those who turned to Him for help as well as of those who did not. As for me, I choose God. The Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:7-8. My days, every one, are held by Him. My end of days is held by Him. My forevermore is held by Him. Thank you, Lord, for your unfailing Love. You are the meaning and purpose of my life.