When You Seek His Face

Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting. So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the Lord’s help. 2 Chronicles 20:3-4 NLT

When you are in difficulty, you would always look for help. Sometimes, you make alliances with those with whom you don’t have much in common. These alliances might work for the short term but they could be problematic for the long term. When you are in trouble, you need someone who you can trust.

Yesterday, we looked at Jehoshaphat’s predicament and his response. He was in trouble and so he sought the face of God. He did not do it alone; he commanded the people to seek God also. They were obedient; the Bible says that “all the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives, and children.” While they were seeking the Lord, He responded to them. He sent them a message by Jahaziel, a Levite.

God said that the fight was His fight. God didn’t leave them confused; He gave them clear directions about what was about to happen and what they needed to do. It got better because verse 17 says, “But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” King Jehoshaphat was overcome by the goodness of God. He was not concerned with his position and status and so he bowed and worshipped God. When the people saw the actions of their king, they worshipped God also.

This attitude of praise and worship filled the atmosphere. Usually, leaders rile up their soldiers when they get ready for battle and Jehoshaphat did the same; he told the people,   “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.” Verse 20. Then they began to fight; not the way armies fight with sword and shield, no, they fought the enemy with the weapon of praise. They started to sing, “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!” verse 21. Well the enemy had no idea what happened! They started to fight against themselves and that was it. All King Jehoshaphat and his people had to do was collect the spoils. There was so much to collect that it took them three days. Wonderful things happen when people seek God.

Thought for Today: Friend, in everything praise God.

Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory