“We do not know what will happen tomorrow. All our hope is in God.” A staff member from Our Daily Bread Ministries in Belarus made this comment during the early days of the war in Ukraine. Along with millions of others in Eastern Europe, she had no idea what new trauma and grief each “tomorrow” might hold.
When we’re overwhelmed by loss, problems, illness or anything that makes the future uncertain, we know only too well this type of fear. Suddenly, we have no idea what to do, or say—even in our prayers.
Long ago, God’s people felt the same way. When messengers told King Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom”, he was terrified (2 Chronicles 20:2-3). In his fear and lostness, Jehoshaphat turned humbly and honestly to God: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (v. 12).
The king had no idea how to handle the overwhelming problem, but he knew the One who did. God’s answer was clear: keep trusting, for “the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v. 15). God’s provision was startling (vv. 22-24), but it would lead to “rest on every side” (v. 30).
King Jehoshaphat’s example teaches us a simple but powerful approach to fear and uncertainty: turn to our all-powerful God. He always knows what to do, and He always provides for His people. He won’t let us down.
By Chris Wale
REFLECT & PRAY
What stops you from fixing your eyes on God when you’re afraid? How can you imitate King Jehoshaphat’s example in your prayers today?
Heavenly Father, there are many situations today where I don’t know what to do or how things will work out. But my eyes are on You.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
When the Jews were militarily threatened by a large enemy coalition (2 Chronicles 20:1–2), King Jehoshaphat prayed for God’s help. God assured him, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v. 15).
Around 160 years later, a similar situation arose. Judah was threatened militarily by the world power of the ancient world, Assyria (ch. 32). Gearing his army to fight the invaders, King Hezekiah of Judah reminded the Jews that God would fight for them: “With us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles” (vv. 7–8).
“The Lord will fight for you” is a promise given the Jews soon after God delivered them from Egypt. With the Egyptian army hot on their heels, Moses reminded them, “Do not be afraid. . . . The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:13–14). But God’s promise was contingent on their obedience and faithfulness. The Jews were reminded to “be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses . . . . Be very careful to love the Lord your God” (Joshua 23:6, 11; see also Deuteronomy 11:22–23).
K. T. Sim
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