15 He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.' | 1 Chronicles 20:15
As I write at home, on Day 3 of Covid-19 Lockdown, I battle with fear. Fearful questions run through my mind; “Will there be food, as we didn’t stockpile?” “What if our loved ones catch the virus?” “What’s our countries financial future?” And selfishly, “How the heck am I going to manage with a very social teen ALONE at home for 21 days!!! All this and more infect my mind! Then 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 provided a cure for my fear bug! In this passage Jehoshaphat battles with fear as three vast armies come to attack him, he is told by God… Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
As Jehoshaphat seeks God and takes His eyes off the vast armies, he not only overcomes fear but also the armies. We too can cure fear when we stop focusing on circumstances and focus on God:
Focus on who God is (vs 6-7). God’s nature and character are unchanging! When I focus on the fact that God is good, kind, faithful and my mighty Father, I can rest in His arms like a child unafraid of the raging storm.
Focus on God’s unchanging promises (vs 9) In uncertain and fearful times may this unchanging promise give us hope and comfort; “God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”” (Hebrews 13:5a-6).
Focus on praising and thanking God (vs 18-19; 21-22). I have made the commitment to find at least one-three things to keep thanking God for throughout each day of Lockdown as this takes my focus off my fears and what I can no longer have onto the goodness and faithfulness of God. Praise also resulted in the battle being won for Jehoshaphat – and I have found that praise if a powerful “medicinal cure” for fear!
When you and I make the choice to focus on these three things then we like Jehoshaphat can have peace and rest on every side (2 Chronicles 20:30).
Let's pray:
"Lord, help me to shift my focus from fear to faith as I look to You. While I feel alone and confused, thank You that You are with me and You are faithful. Today, give me peace. I praise You, God, because You are worthy and You are good. Amen."