Prayer of Jehoshaphat

As we live through the coronavirus problem and all the events it has triggered – loss of jobs, loss of livelihood, loss of freedom of movement, rising cost of living and loss of buying power- it’s actual impact is beyond our imagination.  We have no power against it and we do not know what to do.  Our lives will NEVER be the same again.  Even when life resumes, we will be doing many things differently and those differences will become permanent-  BC/ AC Before Corona and After Corona!

In 2 Chronicles 20, we read about the problem that encountered Jerusalem and Jehoshaphat.  Jehoshaphat identifies the external problem as the armies of Moab, Ammon, and Edom coming against him.  He identifies the internal problem as he confesses, “we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do”.  Remember who is speaking here. This is Jehoshaphat, the undisputed leader of Judah; a godly man, a wealthy man, a powerful man, and a king who has earned the respect of his people. And yet, Jehoshaphat confesses to the Lord that he is powerless.  When a king confesses that he is powerless against his enemies, he runs the risk of the people rejecting him.  Not only does the king confess that he is powerless, in terms of executing the task at hand, but also his total inability to even know what is to be done. Jehoshaphat says, “nor do we know what to do” (v12). 

Some feel secure when there is money in the bank.  Some feel secure in their jobs. Some feel secure when they are healthy. Some feel secure when they are with family and friends.  Sometimes God takes away the thing we trust most so that we have nowhere to go but to the Lord.Christian growth is the result of breaking down of our false securities.  Real freedom is not the liberty to do what we want or the absence of distress. Real freedom lies in the confidence that no matter what, God will provide everything we need (Philippians 4:19). The person who believes this is the freest of all on earth, because no matter what situation they find themselves in, they have nothing to fear (Philippians 4:11).

My friend, whatever may be your situation today, “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed … … , for the battle is not yours but God’s” (2 Chron. 20:15).  Keep your eyes on the Lord for He is all you need!

---