I had found myself pondering repeatedly over a situation, which the enemy was using to thwart my focus away from Jesus. As I sought the Lord for help, He began to speak to me about the importance of focusing on Him instead of on the problem. As He led me to His word, one particular passage really gripped my heart. It was the story of a King, of a message, of a response and, of a prayer.
“Then some came and reported to Jehoshaphat, saying, ‘A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, out of Aram and behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar (that is Engedi).’ Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. So Judah gathered together to seek help from the Lord; they even came from all the cities of Judah to seek the Lord” (2 Chronicles 20:2-4).
Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, had received news that a great multitude was coming against him, and he became afraid. Yet instead of allowing fear to guide him, he allowed his faith in God to redirect his focus. Instead of setting his thoughts on the enemies, Jehoshaphat turned his attention to seek the Lord. Notice once more verse 3: “Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
As Jehoshaphat prayed, He reminded the Lord of His goodness, of His power, and of His past victories and promises. He also conversed with the Lord about the problem at-hand (vv. 4-13). Then with great transparency and faith, Jehoshaphat prayed the following: “O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You” (2 Chronicles 20:12).
Jehoshaphat concluded his prayer with a powerful declaration, “Our eyes are on You.” The King knew they were powerless against the enemies, as well as uncertain as to what to do. However, he was confident in where their focus would be as they waited on God to act on their behalf.
As all of Judah stood before the Lord, awaiting His help, the following message was delivered.
“Then in the midst of the assembly the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, the Levite of the sons of Asaph; and he said, ‘Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says the Lord to you, “Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s. Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley in front of the wilderness of Jeruel. You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.” Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the Lord is with you’” (2 Chronicles 20:14-17).
God intervened on behalf of His people and, my friend, He will do the same for you. When we turn our attention to seek the Lord, we will experience God’s intervention as well as a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-8).
What is holding your attention currently? What are you pondering the most? Instead of allowing the enemy, the problem, or the trial to command your thoughts, turn your heart to seek the Lord. For when you allow the scene in front of you (the hardship or circumstance) to speak louder to you than God’s truth, worry and fear will result instead of God’s peace.
Remember, just like Jehoshaphat, you too may feel powerless and uncertain as to how to manage your current situation. However, God sees the bigger picture. He sees what we are unable to view and promises to cause all things to work together for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). So turn your attention to seek the Lord and keep your eyes upon Him. For He will be faithful to His own.
Colossians 3:1-2 instructs us as follows: “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”
