Okay, let’s admit it: we crack jokes about books like Ezra, Hosea, Haggai, and Chronicles because . . . they’re just kinda weird and dull. (don’t tell me I’m the only one!)
Right now, I’m in 2 Chronicles . . . and I’m actually learning so much!! The other day I was reading through 2 Chronicles 20. As I’ve been reading through the OT this year, it’s hit me that these people in the Bible . . . they were just like us. In between all the genealogies, lists of land divisions, descriptions of weird cultural traditions, and historical notes, at our very core . . . we’re little humans.
When I read the OT, I tend to take it at face value too much. A story about a king going to battle is . . . just a story about a king going to battle. He wins. Yay. Okay, moving on . . .
but NO! Let’s take a deeper look at just how AMAZING these stories are. In particular, I read 2 Chronicles 20 the other day and I wanted to cry I related so much.
SCARED?
King Jehosophat was scared.
SCARED.
Scared out of his wits. Are you scared? Doesn’t matter if it’s something small (like a deathly fear of cows) or big (an uncertain future). WE ALL GET SCARED.
first // SET
So what did King J do? He set his face to seek God. The first thing we should do when we’re scared is call on God. I mean, it’s easier now than it ever has been before! We don’t need to go to a temple or talk to a prophet.Right where you are, you can send a little S.O.S.
J’s prayer included a few things we can learn from. When we pray for victory over a situation (or fear of a situation, or both!!), we can use these phrases (look at how cool these are!! And J said all of these in some way!)
“If [insert bad thing] comes, I will stand and cry to you.” Here, the king acknowledges that we aren’t guaranteed a perfect life. Honestly, we don’t deserve it! This is a promise to do what he just did. If he’s scared again, he’ll call on God again . . . because he knows God can and will save him.
“I can’t, but I know you can.” Acknowledging our own incapability is SO important. If you haven’t experienced this already, God will eventually teach you this lesson. It could be super painful, so be on the lookout for it! This is such an important life truth though. Trying to do things on our own is an impossibility. We’re gonna fail. We’re gonna run out of steam.
“I don’t know what to do, but you do.” Another acknowledgment of God’s character. Have you ever been in a place where you CAN’T? Have you ever been in a place where YOU SO JUST CAN’T that you don’t even know WHAT to do? God knows. Not only does He know what to do but, as we just went over, He also can do it.
“I trust you.” Life is a big old trust exercise. Constantly, God is asking, “Do you trust me?” And, like Peter (but with trust instead of love), we kinda lower our eyes and look at the ground a mumble a, “Oh yeah, yeah.”
second // SECURE
Just take a look at God’s response in this passage! After you read it, come back and let’s dissect it.
//
God says
- Don’t be afraid (He says this twice!! He knows you’re scared, sweet friend.).
- This is MY battle. This doesn’t necessarily mean we don’t have to fight. In Jehosaphat’s case, he didn’t need to fight. I think, no matter your situation, you can realize that YOU DON’T HAVE TO FIGHT SO HARD. Some effort is required, but all too often we’re just trying to do everything and wondering why we’re falling short.
- Just
- Stand firm. Don’t retreat, dear. Imagine yourself on a mountain (if it helps), your hair swirling in the wind, holding a banner, face unmoving. God is there in your midst. You won’t fall off the cliff; you can’t retreat. You’re gonna do this. You’re gonna get through this.
- Hold your position. Patience is key here. You may be up there on the mountain for a while. It might be quiet—deathly quiet, even. But you aren’t alone! You never are.
- See God work. Then, out of the darkness, there will be a bit of light. The clouds will roll back; the charcoal fury underneath, which spills out rain and fireworks of thunder, will give way to the King of Kings. He’s gonna work. Open your eyes to see it! Believe His promise!
- “Do what I told you.” Meanwhile, just be doing what you know you’re supposed to do. Maybe you don’t know what that is, but be faithful in the little things. Even amidst all the crazy homework and relationship problems, take time out for other people. Remember your devotions. Be kind to others. Take it one choice, one step at a time.
- I’ll be with you. How powerful is this?? As you’re standing firm, holding your position for who knows how long and with who knows how little allies; as you’re doing what He told you to do; right when He’s working, He promises He’s going to be with you. Reread all those statements in bold and just thrill in them! SO powerful.
third // CELEBRATE
So, what did J do after God’s response? After he realized the victory before him? He worshiped and praised! When you get that answer from God, never forget to praise Him. When He sends a loving friend your way to listen or buy you a coffee or give you a hug, praise God because that’s His love for you manifested in someone else! When He gives you a really good day, a really good grade, a really good opportunity, that’s Him . . . and He deserves all the more praise and worship for that.
