Turning to God for help

 2 Chronicles 20:1-30

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• Summary

This chapter records a great invasion by Moabites, Ammonites and people from Mount Seir.  When King Jehoshaphat hears of it he seeks God, proclaiming a fast throughout all Judah, and coming together for prayer.  

In his prayer Jehoshaphat pleads God's sovereign power, God's promise to help them if they asked him, the injustice of the invasion seeing Israel had spared these countries in the past, and their dependence upon God for help.  

God answers him through a Levite called Jahaziel.  He tells him not to be afraid; that they won't need to fight because the battle is the LORD's.  Jehoshaphat and all the people worship and praise the LORD.  

Early the next morning they obeyed God's instructions to go out into the wilderness of Tekoa.  As they went, they sang and praised the LORD, who caused the invaders to turn on themselves and destroy each other. 

When Judah reached the watchtower in the wilderness they could see that the whole multitude was dead.  It took them 3 days to collect all the riches and jewels which were on the dead after which they assembled to bless the LORD.  They then returned to Jerusalem with joy and rejoicing for what the LORD had done.  

When the neighbouring countries heard how the LORD had fought for Judah they were in awe and God gave Judah quiet and rest from attacks.  

• Thoughts

I was struck by Jehoshaphat's reaction to the news that they were being invaded.  Verses 3, 12 & 15 suggest that he was frightened and dismayed and didn't know what to do.  But it appears that his first reaction was to turn to God.  Verse 3 says, he 'set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah'.  

What an example for what to do personally and nationally when faced with impossible difficulties - to straight way look to God for help.  We see King Hezekiah do this too - when he received a threatening letter from the invading Assyrians he took it to the temple, spread it out before the LORD and prayed for help (Isaiah 37: 14).  Imagine what the Lord could do for us if we as a nation were to turn to him in this time of COVID!

In 1918, after almost 4 years of near defeat, the country in depression and morale low, the government called for a National Day of Prayer. There were remarkable effects.  David Gardner in his book, 'The Trumpet Sounds for Britain'  Volume 2, quotes General Dobbie, who said, 'That immediately that decision was taken a remarkable change came over the situation"... a significant victory was gained causing the enemy to hastily withdraw.  Then 4 days after the National Day of Prayer there were amazing results.  An Allied attack on the Western Front began, and during the first critical days they were so favoured with thick fog, that the enemy were unable to fly their aircraft and see the vast force of collected men and arms.  As the advance commenced it never ceased until 100 days later when the Armistice was signed. 

To return to this chapter, not only did they actively turn themselves to God in prayer, but King Jehoshapahat ordered that they were all to fast.  Fasting is an act of 'humbling' ourselves before God.  David writes, '...when they were sick...I humbled my soul with fasting' (Psalm 35:13).  King Jehoshaphat and his kingdom were clearly demonstrating their need for God to help, and their dependence and trust in him.  

It can be hard to admit we can't manage situations ourselves.  We like to be independent and self-sufficient.  How wise Jehoshaphat was here to straight way turn to his great and powerful God for help - and God didn't disappoint him.  He was faithful to his promises of care to them, and worked miraculously.

Let us pray to be enabled to remember our God, not only when troubles occur but all through our day; to 'pray without ceasing', to lean on him and look to him in all things.  When we pick up the phone to text our complaints or troubles to somebody, let us first tell the Lord; as exhorted in Philippians 4:6,7...'in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.'

I pray also that as in 1918, when the proclamation for prayer was 'an unprecedented act' (Gardner 1981), so God might work in the hearts of our leaders, to recognise our need of God at this time. 

Praying Man Photo by Ben White on Unsplash 

Israel Photo by Benjamin Rascoe on Unsplash

Poppy Photo by Teigan Rodger on Unsplash with thanks