Where are We Looking?

There have been so many prayers spoken throughout history. Ones filled with joy and others muttered in despair. Some that sounded like poetry and many a garbled mess. Each lovingly heard by the Almighty and each special to that moment and person. Of course, the Bible is filled with tons of prayers but one of my favorites is found in 2 Chronicles 20:12. This prayer is filled with honesty, a bit of fear, uncertainty and yet, expectation in the Lord’s power and plan. I think I like it so much because I’ve come to see the beauty of praying just such a prayer when life seems like too much.

If you read this passage in 2 Chronicles 20, you find that King Jehoshaphat has received news of several large armies on their way to destroy the people of God, take back what God has given them and cause basic chaos. The king is rightfully alarmed but he knows exactly what to do and that is seek the Lord’s direction. As he stands before the Lord, he begins speaking of God’s power, promises and provision in the past. He then states his needs and how unprepared they are for the battle at hand. Clearly, Jehoshaphat didn’t need to remind the Lord of who He was or tell the Omniscient what was about to transpire but pouring your heart out to God makes a difference. I’ve often wondered if Jehoshaphat’s words were meant as a reminder to the people gathered with him or to his own worried heart. Reflecting on who God is, what He has promised and how faithful He has been in the past can truly shift our perspective when faced with overwhelming circumstances. In my opinion, this was a very wise way to begin. 

Actually, his whole prayer could be a study in having an intimate and personal prayer life but it’s the end of verse 12 that I love the most. “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” Have you been there? When you are so overwhelmed with life and the battles surrounding you that you reach the point of knowing you have no power with which to fight? Yep, me too, and I think part of spiritual maturity is recognizing your need for God’s intervention before you hit rock bottom. Jehoshaphat didn’t wait until the battle was going poorly to cry out to God. He knew that God was the one who had promised and God was the one who had provided so why would he try to do it without God? That’s a good place to get to in life but one that requires letting go of our plans and pride. 

The Lord responds to Jehoshaphat in a way that I am learning to love, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” Don’t you know the people breathed a sigh of relief? After receiving all of the Lord’s instructions Jehoshaphat worshiped God right there. I love this because I believe he was grateful that the Lord heard his pleas but I think he was also praising Him in advance for what was to come. This is something I’m currently learning to do in my own prayer life. Praise God for the answers you don’t have yet, but you know He has already prepared... even if you don't know what those answers will be. Have you ever thought about that? God already has the answers to problems you don’t even have yet so praise Him for His faithfulness because you know He will provide. 

Finally, the way Jehoshaphat returns after defeating the enemy is a great reminder of how we should walk through life. We’re told that he and the people returned full of joy because “the Lord had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies”. Human nature has a tendency to forget Who brought about deliverance when we are no longer in the fire, especially when the Lord is gracious enough to let us participate in the big moment. Jehoshaphat was under no delusions on Who was to take credit for their success. The Lord had done all of this just as he was believing in Him to do. So, the next time we face a battle, let's be like Jehoshaphat. Let us draw near to God, pour out our hearts, remember His faithfulness, praise Him for it all and recognize His hand on our lives. After all, the battle isn't ours anyways.