Blessings through reliance on God! Prayer requests? For more background on this devotional consider reading 2 Chronicles 20:1-19.
2 Chronicles 20:15, “And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.” (Italics mine)
Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, ruled over the southern Kingdom of the divided nation of Israel. He faced war (v1) and was afraid, but rather than wallow in anxiety, tremble in fear and suffer through self-pity and doubt, he turned his attention to seek the Lord (v3). Was this a last resort, a desperation move, or a helpless act from a hopeless and powerless soul? No! In fact, fasting and prayer were his first responses.
In his prayer he recognized God’s power – v6b, “Power and might are in Your hand so that no one can stand against You.”
He recognized God’s past action – v7, “Did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land … and give it to the descendants of Abraham …?”
He recognized God’s mercy – v9, “Should evil come upon us, the sword, or judgment or pestilence, or famine, we will stand … and cry to You in our distress, and You will hear and deliver us.”
He recognized his own helplessness and hopefulness – v12, “…we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”
He recognized God’s response – v15, “… Do not fear or be dismayed … for the battle is not yours but God’s.”
He recognized God’s instruction – v16, 17, “Tomorrow go down against them … you need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf … for the Lord is with you.”
He recognized the appropriate response to God – v18, “And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground … worshiping the Lord.”
Next time you face battles, remember, what was true for this ancient king, is still true today!
Gladly Giving All Battles over to God, PJ COPYRIGHT ©2013 PJ Gover
http://4homestore.com/devotionalbook.html (PJ’s devotional book)
Filed under: Bible Study, Christian Tagged: Bible, Blessings, Christian living, christianity, Discouragement, feeling overwhelmed, prayer Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
