I’ll be honest with you Friend. I’m at a loss for words in our present times. It’s easy to drown in scrolling through social media and watching one news report after the other, leaving us anxious and confused.
As I turned to the Bible, I found myself in 2 Chronicles 20. We meet Jehosophat, who was ruling as king of Judah, doing what was right in God’s eyes. He received news that enemies were on the way to wage war with him and the nation.
How overwhelming and frightening! What does one do??
Jehosophat resolved to inquire of the Lord.
He proclaimed a fast.
The people came together to seek help from God.
Jehosophat prayed.
The Spirit of the Lord spoke through a man and said, “Do not be afraid or discouraged … For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people fell down in worship before the Lord.
People began to sing and to praise God.
This passage lays out what we as the people of God need to do in these challenging times. I was encouraged by the song, “Battle Belongs” by Phil Wickham:
“When all I see is the battle
You see my victory
When all I see is the mountain
You see a mountain moved
And as I walk through the shadow
Your love surrounds me
There’s nothing to fear now
For I am safe with You
So when I fight I’ll fight on my knees
With my hands lifted high
Oh God the battle belongs to You
And every fear I lay at Your feet
I’ll sing through the night
Oh God the battle belongs to You
And if You are for me
Who can be against me
For Jesus there’s nothing
Impossible for You
When all I see are the ashes
You see the beauty (thank You God)
When all I see is a cross
God You see the empty tomb
Almighty Fortress You go before us
Nothing can stand against
The power of our God
You shine in the shadow
You win every battle
Nothing can stand against
The power of our God
Oh God the battle belongs to You”
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Dear Friend, let’s resolve to look to the Lord, trust Him wholeheartedly, and PRAY.
~Joyce
Photo Credit: Fa Barboza on Unsplash
