An upward look for help
Jehoshaphat stood before the community of Judah and Jerusalem in front of the new courtyard at the Temple of the Lord. He prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you! O our God, did you not drive out those who lived in this land when your people Israel arrived? And did you not give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham? Your people settled here and built this Temple to honor your name. They said, ‘Whenever we are faced with any calamity such as war, plague, or famine, we can come to stand in your presence before this Temple where your name is honored. We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us.’ 2 Chronicles 20:5-9
Our culture and society promote the idea that believing in one’s self is the route to take than coming to God in prayer. This could lead to delve more on the problem rather than coming to God and ask Him to provide help and guidance. Our text provides a great example of what coming to God means to a person that believes and trusts His providence. King Jehoshaphat heard the report that a vast army from Edom was coming to invade their lands. The king had experienced several victories in the past and could have taken matters in his hand. But because he believed that victories came based on God’s provisions, he once again consulted God in prayer before he proceeded to take an action and fight the invaders. He has a resolve that confidence is not based in past successes but in daily and regular dependence to God. So the king instead of calling his generals to plot out a plan, he prayed. In his prayer, he magnified the Lord’s greatness and attributes. He recalled how God showed His faithfulness to the people of Israel when they entered the Promised Land (v. 7). He expressed in his prayer that he will not take for granted the enemy they will face, yet he believe that God is greater. In his prayer, he was able to encourage the Israelites and this helped them anticipate the answers the Lord will provide. Jehoshaphat’s powerful plea recognized the fact that no problem is bigger than the God of the universe. Despite the temptation to take the lead, King Jehoshaphat was willing to wait for God to answer. “We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.” As all the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives, and children” (vv. 12-13). Seeking the Lord’s will and His wisdom should be the priority for those who want to find what God wants for His children. Instead of trusting your own ability to solve a problem, look to God and ask Him in prayer. Once you have laid before God your burden, wait for Him to respond. Come to God as King Jehoshaphat did and admit that “We do not know what to do, but we are looking to You for help.”
Blessings,
