Little Bitty Giants

“Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, ‘We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.’” When the people complained that they could not go up to conquer the land, both Caleb and Joshua responded strongly, tore their clothes and said to the entire assembly, ‘The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them’” (Numbers 14:6–9)

Joshua and Caleb were chosen to go with 10 other men to explore the Promised Land and give a report to Moses and the people. After a 40-day inspection of Canaan, the explorers reported, “The land…flows with milk and honey! But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. This report frightened the people.”

Yet, Joshua and Caleb not only believed their God would see them through this, they were passionately insistent, pleading with the people how devastating it would be to disobey the Lord God who was leading them to this good land.

Joshua and Caleb intensely followed God (whom they could not see), keeping their focus on Him, not on the fearful giants (they could see).

I’ve had two sides pulling at me from opposite directions all my life. One side speaks with thundering, confusing noise, “This is too big for you, be afraid, there’s no other choice but to worry and cower in a corner!” The other boldly, but generally quietly steps forward and declares, “Trust the Lord your God; for HE will rescue you.”

To listen to the still small voice, I must care more about God’s presence and truth than about my fear or whatever is causing me distress. I will fight for God’s honor in God’s way. I will stand strong, insisting on trusting in the words He speaks to me.

This is not a fight or argument with people, as much as it is a struggle within myself! I must convince MY head and heart, first. I have to persuade myself before I can sway others to my viewpoint. I must allow the strength of God to overwhelm me instead of the fears created by my tormenting, giant circumstances.

I try to imagine being like Joshua who tore his clothes at the Israelites disregard for God’s instruction. Could I be so upset that I tear my ‘inward’ clothes, that I shout and stand up (as Joshua did in the presence of Israel) to the enemy in my head who stirs up fear in my heart and shake my fist, saying, God is about to devour you?

Joshua went on to explain that the enemy’s protection was gone. But the Lord was with them!

My enemy has nothing! I have God which means I have everything to conquer and claim victory.

I’ve noticed in my own frightful circumstances that claiming God’s victory is powerful. I’ve also noticed that my physical and emotional state can still become weary in this journey here on earth, especially during the attacks that come.

This week, I was listening to the online audio version of Psalms and was so touched by King David’s honest, open heart. I committed during this current season to write a Psalm every day to express my feelings, but to also see everything from God’s point of view. That’s what a Psalm is: our thoughts seen through a heavenly perspective.

Here is my Psalm from last night:

God, I’ve been too weary to fight for what is good. Old thinking has tried to hammer away at me. Yet, inside my heart, I’ve known you were there, parting the Red Seas and pulling me up to walk beside you on the waters. Your voice is quiet, maybe even muffled by the enemy’s lies, but oh, so clear. Finally, the clouds have given way to blue skies and I can feel the wind on my face as I walk your creation. By your power, I keep putting one foot in front of the other, going the extra mile, but I also ask for help from those around me. I am honest about my emotions but they are put in their place. They no longer rule me. Lord Of All, I bow to you, my great Sovereign Ruler. I kiss your feet and smile at your magnificence in my life. You always make things new.

Lord God, thank you for going before me in power after my ‘giants’ that to you are little bitty. You can blow them away in one breath. Today, help me to listen to the right voice, to the Lord over all things. Give me passion for your truth. Help me to stand up for the might of your will. Move me in your mercy and grace, and keep me close to your heart. In Jesus name, Amen.