Sometimes I just need to be reminded of how awesome and mighty God is…just like King Jehoshaphat.
I’ve been studying about his life in the book of 2 Chronicles. I had forgotten his story. I saw it when I was flipping through and noticed some scriptures that I had highlighted. I am a big highlighter! Sometimes when I am looking for a verse that has brought me strength in the past, I can’t remember what book it is in, but I can remember if it was highlighted in yellow or pink!
In chapter 20 is this amazing story of his kingdom facing a battle. The people of Moab and the people of Ammon decided to come to battle against King J. He had already suffered an earlier defeat in chapter 18 when he battled in his own strength and I guess he had learned his lesson. Because when he discovered a battle was about to be waged, he gathered all the people together and began to pray.
And I love the way he began his prayer: “Lord God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven and do you not rule over all the Kingdoms of the nations and in Your hand is there not power and might so that no one can withstand You?” And I love the way he ends his prayer by saying “We have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us, nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”
To acknowledge the greatness of God is to exercise my faith and to keep my eyes upon Him is to exercise my trust. Exercise is good for the spiritual body. I need exercise more and more!
The response of God to King J’s prayer was pretty awesome, too! “Do not be afraid or dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s”!! The marching orders were to go out the next day and just be prepared to watch God do battle for them. King J praised the Lord along with all the people, and then he formed a choir to sing at the front of the army lines.
Early the next morning, they formed their army lines, the choir took their place and as they marched, the choir sang, “Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever.” Pretty good song! And the scripture says that AS they were singing, the Lord was setting ambushes against the other army and victory was won!
I also love the fact that afterwards, the people gave the glory to the Lord. They brought stringed instruments, trumpets and harps into the house of the Lord to thank Him for what He had done. A grateful heart is an exercise in hope.
And the scripture says: ” Then the realm of King J. was quiet for his God gave him rest all around.”
