Our Eyes Are Upon Thee
Today’s Passage – 2 Chronicles 18 – 20
O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. (2Chronicles 20:12)
My focus this morning is on chapter 20 where we see the nation of Judah threatened by a federation of three nations. Together, these nations were far superior in both numbers and power to the nation of Judah. Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, did not seek out help from other nations did (as Asa did in chapter 16); but instead turns the problem completely over to the Lord. Jehoshaphat was a great man of faith, though he was not a separated man. He often would yoke up with the ungodly northern kingdom. However, here he does everything right. Notice in this passage how he demonstrates great faith in God:
1 When first confronted with the problem he sought God. Don’t wait until all else fails. Go to God first.
And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD. And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court, (2Chronicles 20:3-5)
2 He searched the Scriptures. Notice in his prayer, in vv 5 – 13, he knows the principles and promises contained in the Scripture. He was able to ask “in the will of God” because he knew what God had promised in His Word.
3 He submitted to the man of God. In v 14, Jehaziel prophesies, and tells Jehoshaphat what to do; and Jehoshaphat obeys the prophecy of the man of God. When you are faced with a battle, go to the man of God for counsel; and listen to what he has to say.
4 He sang praises to God before the battle was actually won. This demonstrated both that he had great faith, and that he was content with whatever God was going to do. Do you trust God enough with the outcome of your battle to praise him before you see the final conclusion.
And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endurethfor ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
(2Chronicles 20:21-22)
The Christian life is full of battles; but if God is with us, the victory is already ours. Don’t fight the battle in your own strength. Keep your eyes upon the Lord , and allow Him to win the battle for you.
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with 4 comments.
I love this story! I taught this story to Cheyenne a couple weeks ago. She laughed hysterically at Jehoshaphat’s name, which allowed me to teach her not to make fun of people who are different.
But anyway, I remember hearing Bro. Mike Clark preach a message on this passage of scripture at a revival meeting. He emphasized Jehoshaphat’s faith and giving God the glory before he answers your prayer. It really spoke to my heart. Rejoicing before the victory is such a hard thing to do. Most of the time I don’t even think to do it. But when I do, and the victory comes (which of course comes, thank God for His faithful promises) it so rewarding. This just recently happened in my life, and it just…makes God even more amazing!!!!!! Thanks Pastor for reminding me of this!
Sometimes it is hard to trust the Lord while we are waiting for the outcome. Yes we say we do but it is still hard. Just these passed couple of weeks I have learned to do just that, ( trust Him fully). There have been some things that have come up ,( battles if you will ) and I said,” how in the world am I going to handle this”? Well guess what ? I didn’t have to ,because honestly, God moved right in and took over! I have to say i’m glad He did because my flesh wanted to.
Honestly, I am amazed , and I shouldn’t be, of how the Lord moves in when we let him, and defuses what could have been a total disaster. Thank you Jesus for ALWAYS being their for me and help me to always keep my eyes upon you !! And thank you honey for todays scripture.
I’m praising the LORD for the trials and troubles that have come into my life lately if it were not for these I wouldn’t be learning how sweet it is to know the LORD and I’m amazed at How he can keep me singing even while my heart is breaking. Amazing Grace.
I have to say other than reading the thoughts of pastor and the guest in the posts. These comments have really been an inspiration to me.