I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. – Psalm 121:1-2 ESV
King Jehoshaphat of Judah was on the brink of war. The people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir had assembled an army and were marching towards Judah.
When Jehoshaphat heard that the armies were at Hazazon Tamar, he became fearful (2 Chronicles 20:1-3). If that had been the full sum of his response, we wouldn’t have had this great testimony. But it didn’t end there.
Jehoshaphat decided to seek the Lord. He proclaimed a fast throughout Judah and the people gathered to ask God for help (2 Chronicles 20:3-4). At the assembly, Jehoshaphat prayed.
If we were to examine his prayer and break it down into parts, it would look like this:
- Praise and adoration for God (2 Chronicles 20:6-7)
- A recount of what God had done for the children of Israel (2 Chronicles 20:7)
- Reminder of the promise made when the Temple was built (2 Chronicles 20:8-9)
- An explanation of the problem (2 Chronicles 20:10-11)
- A request for help and an acknowledgment that they can’t do anything without God (2 Chronicles 20:12)
Jehoshaphat’s prayer is eloquent and emotive, but my favorite part is the last line,
“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” 2 Chronicles 20:12 NIV
I don’t know about you but, I feel like that all the time. There are some situations that are so stressful and unprecedented that you just don’t know how to respond. This was the situation Jehoshaphat found himself in, but instead of pretending that he had it under control, he laid himself bare. This is especially important because he was praying before the people who had assembled at Judah.
The king was admitting that he had no idea how to get them out of the bind they found themselves in, but he knew Who did.
He had turned his eyes heavenward and his eyes were watching God. Instead of focusing on the armies that were moving closer, Jehoshaphat chose to look to God instead.
In response to his trust, God delivered Judah from their enemies. The three armies were defeated and Judah didn’t have to do anything but stand still and watch God work (2 Chronicles 20:20-27).
My friend, I don’t know what kind of situation you’re in today, but I can guarantee you that God is bigger than your problem. It’s okay to admit that you don’t know what to do or how to resolve your issue, choose instead to seek help from your Heavenly Father.
Prayer
Lord, I feel pressured on every side. I don’t know how to get myself out of this situation or what to do, but I know You have a solution. My eyes are on You, Lord, and I’m trusting You for direction. Help me to wait for Your leading. In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.
Other actions you can take:
Just what I needed. Thank you! I will reread this devotional and Jehoshaphat’s prayer. Blessings!