January 4th – “Resolved”
Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord” 2 Chronicles 20:3-4
As we begin this New Year many are anxious and uncertain of what the year will bring. 2020 was filled with the unexpected and the unreasonable, but in the midst of that God remained faithful. As we navigate this New Year we do so with the assurance that “God is in the midst, He will help and that right early.” With this assurance in mind let’s be like Jehoshaphat who resolved to seek the Lord.
Jehoshaphat did this when a group of nations threatened to conquer Judah. The opposing army was vast, and only a miracle could keep Judah safe. Jehoshaphat realized that the nation needed to repent and rediscover God (2 Chronicles 18-19). So the king declared a fast and led the people in prayer, saying, “Lord . . . we do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” God then told the nation through a prophet that the battle was the Lord’s and he would fight on their behalf.
Stop what you are doing and pray! Too often prayer (if it happens at all) is an unwanted interruption, a brief interlude in the stream of our busy lives. Not Jehoshaphat’s prayer. The Bible says Jehoshaphat “set himself” to seek the Lord.
Prayer is a critical position or stance that must be established in the life of every believer without excuse!
Every time we pray, we have an audience with God. That’s a powerful truth that should be maximized. Don’t just hit pause on that movie, shut down the laptop/computer, close the door, switch off the phone and PRAY! Get up early when it’s quiet. Approach the throne room of God with a heart of worship and gratitude. Set yourself to pray! Make it simple, sincere and sure.
As we humble ourselves before the Lord, God fights on our behalf in ways that we cannot even fathom. Powerful enemies self-destruct, and the forces of evil, sickness and disease wither away.
Reflect:
- You have an audience with God. How are you going to use it?
- What special time will you set aside in the next 21 days to rediscover God?
Prayer: Father, “our eyes are on you.” Thank you that your eyes are on us. I set my heart to seek you, to repent and rediscover you. You rule over all nations and over our hearts. Power and might are in your hands. We cry out to you to rescue and restore us. Amen.
~Pastor Richard J. Brown~
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