“[Jehoshaphat prayed], “O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” . . . Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord.”
—2 Chronicles 20:12, 18

Though the natural human reaction to foreseeable hardship is panic, fear, and anxiety, the Lord tells us time and time again, “Do not be afraid.” Easier said than done, right? The story of Jehoshaphat illustrates how to face life’s battles with holy confidence.

Often when we are dealing with frightening situations, we attempt to run or muster up courage, yet despite all efforts we remain paralyzed by fear. That’s not what happened to Jehoshaphat. Why? Because when the Moabites and the Ammonites united to attack Judah, Jehoshaphat “turned his attention to seek the Lord” (2 Chron. 20:3) and began to recall the many things the Lord had done for the people of Israel. Rather than fearfully ruminating about all the tragic things that could happen in the future,

Jehoshaphat looked back on all the times the Lord had been faithful. Remembering the times God has been faithful in the past strengthens us to exercise faith and trust Father for today and the future.

The second thing Jehoshaphat did was to fall down and humbly submit himself to the almighty, glorious God who reigns above all people, problems, and situations. Properly aligned before his Lord and with his eyes off his circumstances, Jehoshaphat looked up to worship. Worship is a lot easier when times are good, but it truly has power to transform situations in times of fear and desperation. Looking up to praise and thank God for His goodness turns our hearts away from ourselves and toward our King. Instead of focusing on bad reports, we declare the sovereignty of God and our trust in His faithfulness.

Jehoshaphat’s actions moved God’s heart, and He responded, “Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s” (2 Chron. 20:15). Beloved, your battle also belongs to the Lord. Whatever you are facing, follow Jehoshaphat’s example and turn your fearful heart to God. Recall Father’s past faithfulness and humble yourself before Him. Release your problems to Father and declare the power and authority of His name over every situation you face.

I praise You, Lord, for You are sovereign and faithful over my life!

Cynthia Schneider, From Passover to Pentecost (Lake Mary, FL: Charisma House, 2021), Used by permission.