Day 208

2 Chronicles 19:1–20:37; Romans 10:14–11:12; Psalm 21:1-13; Proverbs 20:4-6

HAVE YOU EVER felt as if you were hemmed in and the attack coming against you was insurmountable? This is the story we find in 2 Chronicles today, as a coalition of armies threatened King Jehoshaphat.

The story took place in the Judean Desert, with the Dead Sea as the landmark. Three armies from beyond the Dead Sea had crossed the waters and were assembling at the oasis of En-gedi, a freshwater source in the desert that still exists today.

Jehoshaphat was a God-fearing king and had done much to restore the people to God, but despite his reforming efforts, a vast horde was coming to attack Jerusalem. Israel did not have the time or resources to fend it off.

King Jehoshaphat was terrified, and we should acknowledge that. When we feel overwhelmed or hopeless, we also may find ourselves in a state of terror and panic. But what happened next in the story can give us guidance.

Jehoshaphat didn’t have a meltdown and run away. He didn’t go into overdrive attempting to reinforce his defensive positions. He didn’t negotiate his surrender. Rather, he begged the Lord for guidance and called his people to fast before God, seeking His direction (2 Chronicles 20:3-4).

We should pay attention to this posture. Often when we feel threatened, God becomes our last-ditch effort rather than our first, and we experience things that could have been avoided.

King Jehoshaphat prayed before his people. He acknowledged God’s mighty power and faithfulness: “We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us” (2 Chronicles 20:9).

Jehoshaphat’s intention wasn’t to turn the whole situation into a worship service and bolster confidence in his fighting men. Rather, he humbled himself before God, acknowledging that the situation was hopeless.

“O our God, won’t you stop them?” he cried. “We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help” (2 Chronicles 20:12).

The answer came through a Levite named Jahaziel: “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: “Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. . . . Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD’s victory” (2 Chronicles 20:15, 17).

As the story unfolded, God’s people didn’t have to do anything but be spectators and witnesses. They marched out the next morning, praising God and singing, “Give thanks to the LORD; his faithful love endures forever!” (2 Chronicles 20:21). The invading armies turned on one another and destroyed themselves. All Jehoshaphat had to do was be still, worship, and watch.

When we’re walking with God and find ourselves surprised by an invasion that we didn’t see coming, this story reminds us that thrashing about attempting to save ourselves may be unnecessary and unsuccessful. Yes, we will find ourselves surrounded with no way out at times. And indeed —we will have to surrender. But rather than surrendering to our enemy, we must surrender to God, being still, worshiping, and watching what He will do.

MEDITATION:

How the king rejoices in your strength, O LORD! He shouts with joy because you give him victory. For you have given him his heart’s desire; you have withheld nothing he requested.