Day 187
Chaim starts out by saying that most of the operations he and his comrades carry out are at night, so he wants to talk to his viewers about “night vision”. He then proceeds to describe a recently donated piece of equipment that helps the soldiers in his unit see at night, a scope that gives the soldiers using it a great advantage while operating at night.
He says this device is a great metaphor for the need to see in the darkness. To make this point, he quotes Isaiah 60:1-3, Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
He then shows some of the letters of encouragement that he’s received from children all over the world. He thanks the children for sending their notes and encourages them to send more to the Aliyah Return Center’s PO Box in Tiberias.
Next he quotes Psalms 139:12; Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, but the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You.
Chaim says that these verses tell us that we need to have “night vision” to see what God is doing, even when things look really dark and foreboding. God is at work in these times, and we need to see what He’s doing and not worry about the darkness. Chaim reminds us of the many miracles God did on that first Passover in Egypt thousands of years ago, when He cast down the false gods of Egypt and showed His power and authority over them.
Chaim encourages his viewers to remember the example of King David, who surely suffered from what would today be called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and wrote many Psalms to try and adress this trauma he’d suffered in the many battles he fought. One example Chaim quotes is Psalms 42:5; Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.
Chaim encourages his viewers to stay strong and remember that God is with them in this trouble. To drive this point home, he quotes Isaiah 41:10; Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Chaim concludes by saying that it is this “night vision” that enables soldiers like him to continue with the battle, although the equipment they have also helps. He thanks his viewers for the equipment they’ve donated and reminds them that there are still more needs, but he ends by encouraging the viewers to stay strong in prayer and have faith that God will give the victory.