“A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Sea.” Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.”
2 Chronicles 20:2-4
We often find ourselves in difficult spots, and we panic and worry. Whether its financial worries, marriage issues, work stresses or the kids just won’t behave, we all have those times when we just can’t handle it and panic sets in. In your most fearful times, how often do you deliberately choose to seek the Lord’s counsel? Most of us just run on instinct in those times and never stop to ask God for His help.
A vast army is coming against Judah, and King Jehoshaphat resolves to inquire of the Lord. Look at the wording. “Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved…” The people can see this army coming for miles. They tell him where it is and it alarms him. I’m sure it would us too! But then Jehoshaphat RESOLVES to inquire of the Lord. Yes, he is frightened, but the word resolves here means he deliberately chose to inquire of the Lord. Once all the people are assembled, King Jehoshaphat prays. Verse 12 is a great verse we should all remember: “For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” Jehoshaphat acknowledged Judah had no power against this army. He said they didn’t know what to do, but they were looking to God. So, let me put it in our terms. I’m sure you won’t wake up tomorrow with a vast army attacking you, but you will probably face some huge problem at work, or uncooperative children, or financial pressures. All these things can feel like a vast army. We watch them on the horizon as they approach, trying to figure out what to do. Look at the words of Jehoshaphat. “We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you Lord.” Jehoshaphat was the first to admit he couldn’t handle his situation, so why do we think we are any more capable? Jehoshaphat knew where to look for answers; how about you? Where are you looking for answers? Are you looking around or are you looking up?
God went on to tell Jehoshaphat that the battle was not his to fight and to stand firm and see the deliverance of the Lord. God repeatedly told him “do not be afraid, do not be discouraged”. God kept His promise. God delivered Judah from her enemies and gave them security for the rest of Jehoshaphat’s reign. God still keeps His promises today. He has promised you that “when you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” (Isaiah 43:2) Are you taking God up on that promise? If the waters of your Jordan River are threatening to drown you, or if you can see that vast army on the horizon, resolve to take it to God first – not last. Ask Him to take up the fight for you and then stand firm and wait on the Lord’s deliverance.
