2 Chronicles 20:3-5 Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 And Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord. 5 And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court,
Life sure does have ways of overwhelming us.
The challenge of the global pandemic we are facing currently is a prime example. The impact of this unique situation is not restricted to just health challenges but permeates every area of our lives today. From the education of our children to extremely unstable work situations and everything in between. The global economy is in bad shape and so is the health and emotional well-being of us as individuals. Fear, worry, anxiety, and uncertainty seem to be the underlying sense and the new norm.
The problem is huge, way out of our league, and there is precious little we may feel we can do about it. What does a believer do in such a situation? Is there anything different for a believer to do or does one get swept up in the flow?
Fear, worry, and challenges are no new concepts in the Bible. Even to Jehoshaphat, a godly king, these experiences were real. Yet, his response to the huge challenge before him is a great example for us even today.
Jehoshaphat is fearful. He is overwhelmed by the multitude that is coming against him from over the seas (v2-3). He has a huge problem on his hands. A problem he knew, was way above his abilities and strength to handle. He is scared.
And yet, he is not paralysed by his fear, he is quick to act. He leads his people in crying out to the only One who he knew could handle his problem. He calls out to the Lord and leads his people to do the same. His prayer reflects his own insufficiency and his faith in the all-sufficiency of God. What is your response to the challenges you are facing today?
The Lord answers Jehoshaphat and sends His message through Jahaziel, who says to him, thus says the Lord to you, “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.” (v15)
God gives an answer and what a one at that! An answer that provides comfort to the heart that is palpitating in fear. An answer that brings strength to the failing heart with a sure promise from the Sovereign Lord, the all-time faithful Promise-Keeper. An answer which takes the weight off Jehoshaphat’s shoulders, bringing such relief to a believing heart.
Much as CPR is a lifesaving procedure when the physical heart is in trouble, we as believers so need the Comfort, Promise, and Relief of knowing that the battles we face are not ours to fight. Challenging as the battles may seem, we called to remember that the battle is the Lord’s, not ours. We are called to trust and rest in Him!
Are you?
Lord when the challenges of life tend to overwhelm me, help me to find my Comfort, Promise, and Relief in trusting you as you fight my battles, I pray.