In the sweet stillness of the heart
On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing, which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the Lord there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today. Then all the men returned to Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat leading them, overjoyed that the Lord had given them victory over their enemies. They marched into Jerusalem to the music of harps, lyres, and trumpets, and they proceeded to the Temple of the Lord. When all the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God came over them. 2 Chronicles 20:26-29
From the text, King Jehoshaphat led the people of Judah to offer their praise to God and bless His holy name. The King acknowledged that they do not have sufficient number of soldiers to confront the Moabites and Ammonites. It is only through the power of God that they could succeed. He recognized that the battle is the Lord’s and not his to fight. The king led the people in prayer asking God to intervene. “He resolved to seek the Lord. Then he proclaimed a fast for all Judah, who gathered to seek the Lord. They even came from all the cities of Judah to seek Him. (2 Chronicles 20:3-4). God answered King Jehoshaphat’s prayer and he called on the people to offer their praise. He gathered the people in the “Valley of Blessing.” The word “blessing” from the text was used sixty-eight times in the Old Testament. It was first used when God announced His blessing to Abraham after he had shown his faithfulness to God when he followed God. “I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others” (Genesis 12:2). King David when he contemplated on who God was and what He has done, He offered His prayers and blessed the Lord. “Now I stand on solid ground, and I will publicly bless the Lord” (Psalm 26:12). God deserved our worship. The God who answered the prayers of the Israelites gained fame even among other nations. His people became an instrument of His blessing to other nations. Let us be reminded that His desire for us is to be a blessing to others. Even when things seemed to be dire and difficult, He wants us to be strong in our faith. It is wise to pray and not give up even when things seemed to be faint. “Pray always and not become discouraged” (Luke 18:1). Prayer and offer of praise even when facing crisis in life can bring the sweet stillness of the heart.
Blessings,
Noel De Guzman
www.my-wbc.com