Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the problems you face and troubles that come your way? Jehoshaphat faced what appeared to be an insurmountable alliance of adversaries coming against him:
- 2 Chronicles 20:1-2 NKJV It happened after this that the people of Moab with the people of Ammon, and others with them besides the Ammonites, came to battle against Jehoshaphat. 2 Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar” (which is En Gedi).
- 2 Chronicles 20:3 NKJV And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
- 2 Chronicles 20:12 NKJV Our God, will You not judge them? For 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.”
The first step in facing your problem:
- BE ________________ WITH GOD.
2 Chronicles 20:4 NKJV So Judah gathered together to ask help from the LORD; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.
2 Chronicles 20:9 NKJV ‘If disaster comes upon us–sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine–we will stand before this temple and in Your presence (for Your name is in this temple), and cry out to You in our affliction, and You will hear and save.’ - __________________ GOD.
2 Chronicles 20:6 NKJV and said: “O 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 is able to withstand You?
2 Chronicles 20:7 NKJV Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever?
When you’re overwhelmed by problems – let yourself be instead overwhelmed by the goodness and power of our God.
QUESTIONS & EXERCISES
For Daily Devotionals or Bible Study Group
2 Chronicles 20
- What are things in your personal, professional, relational, or church life that could be or is overwhelming and creating stress and fear in your life? In what ways do you find yourself identifying with Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah at this time?
- Often, the greatest opportunity to grow in our faith is during our greatest time of need. What impresses you about Jehoshapat’s character as a king when he stands before his people and his God and admits: “We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do.” (2 Chronicles 20:12) How does pride often keep us from seeking God and getting the help we need? Is it difficult or easy for you to be humble in this way? Why? Why does God put such a value on humility in his people? (Take time to read Proverbs 11:2; 29:23; Micah 6:8; James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:6)
- Our first step in seeking God’s face is to be open and honest with him. Are their fears and anxieties in your life currently that you need to speak to him in prayer? How do you believe God would respond? Reflect on Philippians 4:6-7 and I Peter 5:6-7. What assurance and promises do you find in these passages? In reading Jehoshaphat’s statement in vs. 9, how would you describe his trust and confidence? Are there reasons you cannot have this same confidence in God amid your crisis?
- Jesus said that God knows what we need before we ask (Matthew 6:8). If someone were to ask, what reasons would you give then for petitioning God during difficulties?
- How does worship and acknowledging God’s greatness get us through what would otherwise overwhelm us? What are the ways that you worship outside of Sunday with your church? How would you describe the difference in your attitudes and perspectives from when you start truly worshiping, and then end time of praise?
“When you’re overwhelmed by problems – let yourself instead of be overwhelmed by the goodness and power of our God”.
What do you think of that statement?
