Fear and a beautiful prayer

Fear is a part of life.  I fear many things -- sicknesses, car accidents, freedoms being taken away, children not following the Lord.  We all could make different lists of the things that make us afraid.  When I feel fear, my natural reaction is first, to be anxious, then to think through worst case scenarios, then to try and figure out what I can do to solve the problem or get rid of the fear that is facing me. 

In 2 Chronicles 20:1-12, we read an account of a very real fear. Jehoshaphat's nation, Judah, was under attack from several other nations that had joined together.  I love how Jehoshaphat responded to the news.  First, Scripture clearly says he was afraid.  This is a real emotion that a real person felt.  He didn't try to hide the fear, but faced it. If this was me, I would have gathered a group of military advisors and developed a game plan for how to defeat the enemy.  Jehoshaphat didn't do that.  Instead of gathering the military leaders, he gathered his whole nation to fast and seek the Lord.  He then led the nation in prayer.

The prayer that follows in verses 6-12 teach me many things.  

1.  Jehoshaphat began praying by appealing to the character and promises of God.  He remembered that God is the ruler of all nations.  God is the one with power over all.  I believe it is important to speak God's truth into any situation we encounter.  His truth is the foundation for all of life, and if we try to relieve our fear without His truth, we will fail. When I am afraid, the fear can cloud my mind and confuse my thoughts. That is why it is important for me, for us, to be in God's Word regularly so that we have a solid foundation before fear attacks.   

2.  After remembering God's character, Jehoshaphat took time to voice a complaint.  The forces who were attacking Judah were the descendants of Lot and Esau.  When Israel came out of Egypt, God forbid them to attack these nations.  Jehoshaphat's complaint sounds something like this, "It's not fair!!"  He complains to God that Israel did not attack these nations, and now they are coming against God's people.  I love the fact that we can go to God with our complaints. He knows them already, and voicing them helps us admit what we are actually feeling.  God is big enough to handle our grievances.  

3.  Jehoshaphat asked God to judge the nations coming against him.  He did not stay in a complaining attitude, but realized that God is the true and right judge.  When we feel fear and are attacked, our human instinct is often to strike back and get even with the enemy.  We frequently do not judge well in these situations.  Many times this is because we have incomplete information and half truths.  Our best choice is to leave judgement in God's perfect hands.  

4.  Jehoshaphat ends his prayer by admitting that he and his people were powerless in this situation.  Fear leads to feeling powerless, which often causes us to do what we can to control situations and people.  When I try to control my circumstances, I push God out of the solution.  Acknowledging that we are helpless is a crucial step to receiving true help from God.  Jehoshaphat is humble and admits that the nation of Judah does not know what to do. He sees that God IS the solution.  He ends his prayer with these beautiful words:  "our eyes are on you."  He surrenders his fear, his complaint, and his control and waits for God to answer in the best way. 

God does answer Jehoshaphat's prayer in an amazing way.  It is one of my favorite Old Testament stories. Read 2 Chronicles 20 to find out the rest of the story.  😊  In the meantime, when faced with fears of our own, may we keep our eyes fixed on God alone!