Article January 15, 1927 Issue

My Eyes are upon Thee

KATHERINE PUFFER

Doubtless no more trying experience can come to the children of men than that which came to Jehoshaphat, as related in II Chronicles. Messengers came and told him that a great army was come out against him from "beyond the sea on this side Syria." A careful study of the narrative will afford many helpful lessons for the student of divine metaphysics. In his great fear Jehoshaphat turned to the Lord and proclaimed a fast. His humility saved him from the futile efforts of human endeavor or will-power, for he said, "We have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee." And from all accounts he kept them upon God.

Momentarily we may all turn to God for divine help in time of danger. But do we stay, our eyes fixed upon Him? Do we not more often keep one eye, at least, upon the error that threatens us? We utter truth with one breath, and then we perhaps talk about error with the next ten breaths! Jehoshaphat did not do so. All Judah stood before the Lord, even to the little children; not one was spared to go out and scout against the enemy, to learn how large was the number arrayed against them. Through the spiritualized thought of one, Jahaziel, came the divine assurance: "Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not your's, but God's.... Stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you."

So great may seem the mesmerism of a false sense of responsibility that we are ever needing to remember that the battle is not ours. We need to learn to stand still and spiritualize our thinking, in order that we may see the salvation of our God. Mrs. Eddy says in "Pulpit and Press" (p. 2): "Imagine yourselves in a poorly barricaded fort, fiercely besieged by the enemy. Would you rush forth single-handed to combat the foe? Nay, would you not rather strengthen your citadel by every means in your power, and remain within the walls for its defense? Likewise should we do as metaphysicians and Christian Scientists." Obedience to this rule of building up our walls by learning more of God, more of the truth of Being, would without doubt save us many a discouraged hour, many seeming defeats.

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