Watch the Lord

"And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the LORD in the midst of the congregation; And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. To morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you." (2Chronicles 20:13-17 KJV)

It was another beautiful day in Israel. The sky was a rich blue, devoid of clouds, and the people were enjoying the beauty surrounding them. They had spent the morning joyfully going about their individual responsibilities and concerns. Then the news came down from the palace. A Moabite and Ammonite coalition army was headed toward Israel. Everyone was asked to assemble their families at the Temple where the King was praying about what to do.

Then King Jehoshaphat stood up in the midst of Israel and began praying aloud. First, he gave glory and honor and praise unto God. Then, he reminded the Lord of how God had given the land to Israel for an inheritance. Next, he reminded the Lord that Israel had built a sanctuary to honor the Lord and to assure Israel that the Lord would hear their prayers. Next, he explained the current situation to the Lord: When Israel had departed from Egypt, God had protected Ammon and Moab from Israel. But now Moab and Ammon had put together a coalition army to attempt an invasion of Israel.

Finally, King Jehoshaphat committed everything to God: "O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee" (v. 12 KJV).

And the Spirit of God came upon Jahaziel, one of the Levites, who said: "Do not be afraid nor even dismayed about this enemy, because this battle is God's and not yours. Go out and face them, but you will  not have to fight them. Just stand still before them and watch how God saves you. Do not fear! Do be dismayed! The Lord will be with you!"

As life unfolds before us in all its beauty and disappointing news, be determined to keep your eyes on the Lord. Watch the Lord! He will neither fail you nor forsake you. Stand still before the enemy without fear or dismay and watch how God delivers you. Remember, this battle is the Lord's and not your! Remember, the Lord is with you!

We may not have the power or resources to defeat the enemy. We may not know what to do first or next, but we are watching the Lord. And he is always with us!

Dear Father, thank you for your constant presence. Empower us to face the enemy with the assurance that the battle is yours and not ours. Grant that we may watch how you save us. I pray this in the name of Jesus.

Be strong and courageous today with your eyes on the Lord,