Daily Devotional – Thursday, September 17, 2026
So he answered, ‘Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’
2 Kings 6:16 (NKJV)
Elisha was in Dothan when the king of Syria sent an army to capture him. The soldiers surrounded the city with horses and chariots, and Elisha’s servant saw them early in the morning. He was frightened by what stood outside and asked Elisha what they should do. Elisha saw the same army, yet he told his servant not to fear. He knew that the Syrian army was not the only force surrounding them.
What Fear Cannot See
Elisha prayed and asked God to open his servant’s eyes. God answered, and the servant saw the mountain filled with horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha. The Syrian soldiers were still there, so nothing about the immediate danger had changed. The servant simply saw more than he had seen before. God had already surrounded Elisha with His heavenly forces. What the servant saw was not all that was there.
That helps us understand Elisha’s confidence. He knew the Syrian army had come to capture him and had surrounded the city. His confidence came from knowing that God’s power surrounded them too. The servant could see the Syrian army, but Elisha knew that God was there with them. Our key text reminds us that what we see does not limit what God can do.
When All You Can See is the Problem
There are days when one problem takes over your thoughts. A bill needs paying, a job feels uncertain, or something happening at home keeps you awake. You see the problem because it is right in front of you. Having faith does not mean that you pretend the problem is smaller than it is. Rather, remember that God sees more than you do and that His presence does not depend on your ability to see Him.
When fear starts filling your mind, stop and talk to God before you let the problem control your thoughts. Tell Him what you are facing and ask Him to help you see beyond what is before you. The situation may remain difficult, just as the Syrian army remained outside Dothan. Nevertheless, you can still face it knowing that God is present and that your eyes do not show you everything He is doing.
Prayer
Almighty God, when I am afraid, help me remember that You are with me, even when I cannot see how You will help. May I trust You when I cannot see what lies ahead.
