If I had a nickel for every time I’ve been afraid, well, I suppose I’d be a very wealthy woman. Fear has driven me to do some truly foolish things in my lifetime. Case in point: I bought an unfathomable amount of bottled water in the face of Y2K. (For those too young to remember, Y2K had a lot to do with potential computer glitches and the progression from the year 1999 to 2000—but really, it was about fear of the apocalypse.) I’d long forgotten about the water stash until my husband and I set about merging our “stuff” after the wedding. Needless to say, he got a good laugh out of it.
I tend to overreact to my fear by attempting to take matters firmly into my own hands. My mind begins the work of imagining and anticipating any and all potentially tragic outcomes (e.g., the almost apocalypse of 2000). At the very least, I hustle to protect my reputation; fear of man versus fear of God is very real in my world. My M.O. is to do what’s best in my own eyes and maintain my “good” standing in the eyes of others—whatever that means. I wish I could say that every time I’ve been afraid I’ve taken action by turning to God. While that would not be true of me, at least in today’s reading, it is true of Jehoshaphat.
An imperfect man in his own strength, the king knew his limits. He also knew the God without limitation. It wasn’t enough for him to seek his own well-being; Jehoshaphat sought the Lord’s favor and protection for his people as well. Out of fear and reverence for God, they were called to holiness, to lead wholehearted lives of integrity before Him (2Chronicles 19:9–10). Jehoshaphat reminded them that even in the face of battle, fear of the Lord ought to outweigh fear of their earthly enemies.
Scripture tells us that when “Jehoshaphat was afraid…he resolved to seek the LORD,” and then he led others to do the same (2Chronicles 20:3–4). In doing so, the people found exactly what they needed from their God. When faced with “a vast number” (v.2,12) of their enemy headed toward them, God told them to put down their fear and discouragement because the battle was not theirs—it was His (v.15). The victory would be His as well. Through the obedience of His people, God would reveal His glory to the other nations.
Jehoshaphat had no need to run for the hills in self-preservation or stockpile supplies for a fate that would never come. By the time the battle was marching toward his doorstep, he was already in the habit of seeking the Lord (2Chronicles 19). He knew the one true God who is able to save, whose “faithful love endures forever” (2Chronicles 20:21). How unfathomably wonderful that we get to know this God too.
How fitting to read this today , in the wake of everything going on. Perfectly timed reminder from a perfect omnipotent God.
Not only does it bring comfort that the battle is His but also it’s the knowing that he knows what’s coming, he knows the future, he already has a plan. He has been here before, he knows exactly what needs to be done and said. I only need to keep my eyes focused on him & everything will work out just the way he wants. Amen to that! For his Glory!
Thank You Jesus that we don’t have to live in fear! These days can seem so scary and we may not know what to do, but our eyes are on You!
Amen
“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” 2 Chronicles 20:12. I think often how my posture changes in moments of fear. I often look down towards myself, my own abilities, my want for control. How often in times of fear do I shift my focus and point my eyes up. Simply trusting in the God who fought then and continues to fight for me today. I loved this verse because so often when we do not know what to do we try in our own strength to figure it out. When we simply must look up.
This is how I fight my battles!! Amen
Obviously never posted before! Sorry about the multiple posts!
Annie, I had ovarian cancer 13 years ago and went through 10 months of chemo. When I was diagnosed, my daughter was 6 years old. Throughout the experience, I spent many hours in prayer and in my bible. And, I would often feel a great peace in the knowledge that God was with me and for me and my family. But , often, one day I’d feel that confidence and peace and then the next day (or hour) I would be terrified again! At first I felt guilty about this,thinking why can’t I just rest in Gods goodness and love. But over time I realized that, in fact, my recurring bouts of fear and panic just caused me to run back to God again and again. I think this “running back over and over “ was something that caused my faith to grow.
Cancer is a hard journey and I don’t wish it in anyone, but I do know that the experience grew me in my faith and as a person. Love and prayers to you as you walk this journey.