And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, and said, “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?”—2 Chronicles 20:5 -7 ESV
When I look around me, I see many people facing problems and troubles at work, in their families, and personal lives. Adding to all that are the economic and global catastrophes. These are resulting in heightened stress, anxiety and mental health crisis we face today. Man is never far from trouble and adversity!
Life can be very enjoyable a times, but when problems show up, the good times are easily forgotten. Sometimes we are aware that some problems are brewing in the background, while others appear out of nowhere and leave you feeling blindsided. The problems that appear suddenly are sometimes harder to deal with, because you’re unprepared, you never saw them coming.
Also, these problems are levellers because they don’t know whether you are rich or poor; inasmuch as you are human, they will find you.
Recently, I came across King Jehoshaphat of Judah, who was one of the good kings. He made his fair share of mistakes, but he didn’t wallow in them; he sought forgiveness from God and moved on. As things were improving and his reforms were taking hold in the land of Judah, a major challenge arose. Three neighbouring nations decided to wage war against them.
When the king heard the news, the Bible says: “Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” 2 Chronicles 20:3 (ESV) In his fear, he didn’t seek help from allied nations or his advisers; he went straight to the Lord. When you are faced with difficult situations, who do you turn to first and foremost? Parents, partners, family or friends?
Then Jehoshaphat stood to pray in front of the people of Judah and his prayer was very interesting. You would have thought that he would start his prayer by telling God his problem and what he needed God to do. Instead, he began by recalling God’s greatness and goodness. That in itself was a faith booster! This is a lesson for us: no matter what we are facing, don’t forget to recall God’s faithfulness. That action alone melts all fear, and faith will start to rise.
Jehoshaphat wasn’t only boosting his own faith through his actions but also that of everyone listening to him. What are you going through right now? Count your blessings, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done. It will also increase your faith for the miracles to come.
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 