Faith In The Face of Fear!

Devotion:

Chapter 20 of the second book of Chronicles climaxes in the lives of King Jehoshaphat and his subjects Judah. Terrified by the soon-to-happen ambush of a significant coalition, an aura of fear engulfs them all over. However, instead of being overwhelmed by terror, Jehoshaphat seeks solace in God through prayer. This significant response captures a key lesson on faithfulness in the face of fear.

The third verse reveals Jehoshaphat’s decision: “But he sought the Lord,” hence his marked attempt to seek divine advice immediately after it came to his notice. During transitional periods, we are inclined to act quickly or find answers within our abilities when faced with challenges. On the contrary, this is not the model that Jehoshaphat follows; rather, he admits his limitations and directs his attention towards God rather than the difficulty itself. His prayer not only signifies desperation but also shows his acknowledgment of God’s dominion.

In his prayer, Jehoshaphat recalls how God had been faithful in the past, emphasizing His unwavering covenants. This serves as a powerful reminder that in any situation where we struggle to believe that God will provide a way out, we should lean on Him. His faithfulness is our anchor in times of fear and uncertainty.

When it looked like everything was falling apart and there was no hope in sight, God sent a prophet to speak for Him. In the same light, we are often called to stand firm and trust Him, even when our situation appears hopeless. Sometimes, we are not called to fight battles physically but to see His glory.

Before the battle begins, the entire nation of Judah gathers in worship, having received assurance from God. Instead of dwelling on their fears, they actively engage in praising Him. This act of worship not only demonstrates their faith but also reposes their hope in God’s word. It inspires us to shift our focus from our fears to the ultimate problem solver, our Lord.

Just as Jehoshaphat faced trials, we too will encounter battles in our lives. However, we have been taught to rely on God, to remember His goodness and His deliverances. It is through these hardships that our worship increases, empowering us to face our trials with faith and trust in God.

Prayer:

Dear God, please help me trust you more whenever I’m afraid. I should always remember that I should look to your face first before seeking anything else due to the trust you gained from my life history. Even as I engage in this battle through prayer and praise, let my faith grow stronger each day. May my fears be given to you with a sense that everything truly lies in your hand. In Jesus name, Amen.