Read: Isaiah 26:3
In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat is warned that a great multitude was coming against him for battle. Not one, not two, but three large armies are coming together to overthrow the cities of Judah. Here’s how he responded to that news:
Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.
— 2 Chronicles 20:3–4
Jehoshaphat is understandably afraid of the threat against him, but instead of spiraling and shrinking back in fear, he calls for the nation of Judah to join him in prayer and fasting. This chapter then records Jehoshaphat standing in front of the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem in the house of the Lord to offer up a prayer, a cry for help. We can learn a lot from the way Jehoshaphat prays in verses 6–12. Here is a summary of the structure of the prayer:
- He lists truths about God’s character: God in heaven, sovereign, powerful, mighty, conqueror.
- He lists specific acts of God’s past faithfulness to them, specifically His freeing of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
- Following the truth of who God is and what he has done, Jehoshaphat tells God about the threat they are up against and is honest about his fear and what he needs:
…For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.
— 2 Chronicles 20:12
What a powerful statement! Jehoshaphat could have kept his eyes on the obstacle of battle and frantically tried to prepare and handle it on his own, but he had observed enough from the history of those before him to know that would not bode well. Instead, he humbly comes to the Lord and asks for help, and God responds in an incredible way. As the three armies approached Judah for battle, God set an ambush against the armies, and they destroyed one another. Not a single hair on the heads of Judah was harmed.
So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for God gave him rest all around.
— 2 Chronicles 20:30
The king didn’t know what to do about the treacherous circumstances coming his way, but he kept his eyes and mind on the Lord. He and the nation of Judah were kept in the perfect peace referenced in Isaiah 26:3. As we face trials in life, we may feel as Jehoshaphat felt: “God, I don’t know what to do.” God’s promise in Isaiah 26:3 is for us today: He will keep us in perfect peace if we keep our minds on Him.
Reflection Questions:
- In what ways have you experienced God’s perfect peace as you renew your mind and trust in Him?
- How has this peace affected your ability to handle difficult situations or challenges?
- How can you continue to cultivate trust in God and maintain a Christ-centered mindset in your everyday life?