Dependent

"We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You" (2 Chronicles 20:12)

Unsure and afraid, their hearts trembled within their chests. The ground shook from the footsteps of the horde of enemies marching towards them. The children of Judah possessed great fear. Yet they were not on a battlefield. Rather, they were on their knees in the house of the Lord, worshiping Him. The king, Jehoshaphat, knelt in the midst of the people.

What could they do? Three armies desired to destroy the nation of Israel. Jehoshaphat and Judah understood that they were absolutely powerless against the coming forces, and they put their trust in the only One who could rescue them. At the end of his prayer, Jehoshaphat admits,

"We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You."

Such a humble thing to admit. In one statement, Jehoshaphat acknowledged the nation's weakness and her only source for strength. He sought the Lord, admitting his frailty, which was something he failed to do earlier against Syria. The king recognized the greatness of the Almighty who fought on his side.

The Lord then comforted them, telling them, "do not be afraid" because the battle was not theirs "but God's"(v.15). And indeed God had won that battle. He caused the enemies of Israel to turn on and destroy each other. Only He had the power to bring victory to Judah.

My friend, aren't we also waging a great battle? We battle against Satan, resisting him, and we fight for joy in our trials and temptations. We wage spiritual warfare against sin and in the midst of suffering. Fear pounds its drum in violence against our hearts. Temptation sounds its horn outside the walls of our spirit. Terrors surround our soul like the great armies of the enemies of Israel. It may be that you have found yourself on your knees, tears in your eyes, and helplessness gripping your soul.

But, O my friend, do not be ashamed of your helplessness. For in our weakness, God has made us strong. Our helplessness simply takes hold of our hearts and forces us to gaze in the eyes of our Strength, our Lord, and our Defender. Admit your weakness and see your strength in the Almighty. Know this: the same God who fought for Israel in her battles fights for You in your battles against sin and in the midst of trials.

God is the God of heaven. He holds all powers in His right hand. He speaks and nations tremble at His voice. He is God and even the demons become weak before Him. Christ, the Son of God,f is the King who knelt in the garden the night before battle, trusting in the Father and resting upon His will. He is the King who hung on the tree, bearing the wrath of the Almighty. Christ is the Victor who rose again, defeated death, and conquered the grave. He sits above all powers and authorities. And this God has made promises to you who are in Him.

God will neither leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5). If you are in Christ Jesus, God is for you. Who can stand against you? He who did not spare His own Son, how will He not freely give us all things? None can condemn you, for it is God who justifies. We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. What can separate us from the love of Christ? Nothing, not even death will be able to separate you from the love of Christ Jesus the Lord (Rom. 8:31-39).

We have hope because of the God we serve and the promises He made to us. Although victory over our sin and from suffering may not come in this life, we have hope that victory will surely come for those who are in Christ.

"Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning" (Psalm 30:5).