One of my favorite chapters in the Old Testament is 2 Chronicles 20. It’s the story of King Jehoshaphat, leader of the people of Judah, seeking God when he was faced with insurmountable odds. War was imminent and Jehoshaphat didn’t know what to do.

In the midst of great pressure, Jehoshaphat shows us an example of the best response to adversity. And watch how God answers him! You can read the entire chapter here.

I’d thought I’d share a few of my favorite parts and hope this encourages you in whatever difficult or confusing situation you are facing.

+After word of the pending invasion (verse 3):

“Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed they came from every town in Judah to seek Him.”

I love that the first thing Jehoshaphat does is resolve to seek the Lord, and then invite everyone to join him. How many times do we first seek our own opinion, or run to our friends or someone we don’t even know for advice, instead of asking God, who has all wisdom? Difficult situations in our life should draw us to God, first and foremost.

+From Jehoshaphat’s prayer when Judah was assembled, seeking God (verse 12):

“…For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”

Jehoshaphat leads Judah in humbling themselves before God, declaring they don’t have a clue, but they are watching God, and believing that He will respond. How many times do we think we know the answers, and put our eyes on everything or everyone other than God? Or we don’t believe that God will answer us, even when we ask Him to.

+Then God speaks through a prophet–who had the courage to use the prophetic gift God had given him, speaking in front of everyone–(verse 15):

“This is what the Lord says to you: Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

It’s interesting that the word of the Lord didn’t come directly to Jehoshaphat. It came from someone else who was also seeking God for wisdom in the situation. God often speaks wise advice into our lives through others. Listen for it. Test it, to be sure. But listen for it. Secondly, the battle is never ours. And God doesn’t want it to be. It’s His. He’ll take care of us. I think He always gives us a part to play in it, but He’s the powerful One.

+Going to battle the morning after the Lord promised Judah deliverance by His hand (verse 21):

“After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise Him for the splendor of His holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying, ‘Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever.’ As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.”

Oh how I love that the singers were placed in the front of the entire army and as they were marching out to victory they were singing praises to God! As they praised, God began the active work of delivering them.

When we praise God we are encouraged! We become focused on Him and His goodness rather than on our circumstances. And God acts on our behalf!

Also note that in this circumstance, Judah’s army was praising God for who He is and for His love for them. They are focusing on God Himself rather than their problem.

+After the victory God had given Judah (verse 29):

“The fear (reverence, awe) of God came upon all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard how the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.”

Not only did God bring peace and rest to Judah, but I think the most important thing is that God was glorified. All of Judah was strengthened and encouraged by this miraculous deliverance by the living God, something they could remember in the future when they were feeling discouraged; and something that would be told for generations to come.

But, it didn’t stop there. All the surrounding kingdoms stood in awe of God and revered Him when they heard what He had done for His people. God was glorified big time! And a lot of those people in the other kingdoms probably became followers of the God of Judah after that.

So…

Be encouraged in whatever personal battle you are facing today. Seek God. Expect Him to speak to you. Be open to Him speaking to you in a way you weren’t expecting. Do what He tells you to do. Praise Him in the midst of your difficulty. And let the Lord fight for you.

Prayer

God, in the midst of trying and desperate circumstances, I often do not know what to do. But I resolve to fix my eyes upon You, and trust that You will deliver me. Give me wisdom and a heart of worship. Encourage my heart as I focus on Who You are. You are always good. Amen.