In review of 2 Chronicles 20:27 I read, “Then all the men returned to Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat leading them, overjoyed that the LORD had given them victory.” (NLT)
At the end of 2 Chronicles 20, there’s a dramatic scene: God has just caused Israel’s enemies to turn against each other. While Israel’s army just stood back and watched, their enemies destroyed each other. The aftermath was devastating.
“So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped” (2 Chronicles 20:24 NLT).
Sometimes life is like this, I can have a seemingly insurmountable problem. I face my enemy and trust God to fight for me. Then I stand unarmed and watch as he wins the victory. But the cost of battle is evident. There are casualties, and things look pretty messy.
But God wants to help me find blessing in the bad. There are things left on the battlefield that God wants to give me. That’s what happened for Israel’s army.
“King Jehoshaphat and his men went out to gather the plunder. They found vast amounts of equipment, clothing, and other valuables—more than they could carry. There was so much plunder that it took them three days just to collect it all!” (2 Chronicles 20:25 NLT)
Throughout this story, God’s people chose to worship him rather than worry. They allowed God to solve their problems rather than fighting the battle themselves. The ultimate result was more blessing than they could handle.
“On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing, which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the LORD there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today. Then all the men returned to Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat leading them, overjoyed that the Lord had given them victory” (2 Chronicles 20:26-27 NLT).
Israel had trusted God to win the battle for them. And he did, but he also exceeded their expectations. The battle was won, and they went home richer. God blessed them physically and spiritually.
Today I should consider what battle or struggle I’m in the midst of? Does it feel like everything is just too much?
If I’m fighting an overwhelming battle today, God wants to move me to the valley of blessing. This will happen when I choose to worship instead of worry.
In summary, I can be overjoyed that the Lord gives me victory. I can have a seemingly insurmountable problem. But I face my enemy and trust God to fight for me. Then I can stand unarmed and watch as he wins the victory. What I'm learning is that God wants to help me find blessing in the bad. And there will be things left on the battlefield that God wants to give to me. So if I allow God to solve my problems rather than fighting them myself, the ultimate result will be more blessing than I can handle. So God wants to move me to the valley of blessing. This will happen when I choose to worship instead of worry.
As I consider what tremendous project myself and my team have at work, and how at times it seems to be just too much. I should turn it over to the Lord to fight the battle. Meanwhile I will worship and trust him to solve my problems. I will do what I know is the right step to do and to respond to others in a loving way. I will allow God to solve my problem rather than fight it myself. I will let these times teach, build and strengthen my faith. I will choose to worship him rather than get flustered or worried.
Father, I pray this morning that you will continue to infuse my life with your life saving Word and from promptings from your Spirit within me. I’m encouraged by the reminder that you want to provide blessings for me. Most importantly you are preparing me for what you want to do through me in my life. I ask you also for wisdom and guidance for my day, tasks, leadership and interaction with others. I ask these things through your Son Jesus name, Amen.
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