The Place of Safety

Wilmer McLean had had enough. When the American Civil War erupted in 1861, he was considered too old for active duty. Yet the war’s first battle took place near his plantation in Manassas, Virginia. A cannonball even landed in his fireplace.

Determined to escape the war’s impact, he moved his family and business hundreds of miles away, to Appomattox Court House, a small, isolated community in southern Virginia.

But he was to learn that he had not escaped war’s consequences. In fact, as the armies continued to collide, it was in his house where, in 1865, Robert E. Lee surrendered the Southern forces to Ulysses Grant, effectively ending the war. Later, McLean remarked, “The war began in my front yard and ended in my front parlor.”

In a similar way, Israel’s king thought that he knew how to stay safe. As the armies of Israel and Judah prepared for conflict, he decided to “disguise” himself so no one could recognize that he was the king. In contrast, Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, went into battle dressed as a king.

But, in the conflict, Jehoshaphat was spared. Why? Because he cried out, and the Lord protected him. In contrast, one of the opposing soldiers “drew his bow at random.” In spite of his disguise, Israel’s king was hit by the arrow and died.

Through his many conflicts, David learned that some trust in chariots and some in horses, but he trusted in God (Psalm 20:7). He learned that God was his rock, fortress, and deliverer. That he could take refuge in Him (Psalm 18:2).

In your life, remember to place your trust in the Lord.