Focus on God’s Greatness Before Your Need

“Jehoshaphat was frightened and prayed to the LORD for guidance.” 2 Chronicles 20:3 (GNT)

In a crisis, it's natural to start explaining to God what’s going on and asking for his help. He wants me to talk to him and pour out my heart. But instead of beginning my prayers focused on my needs, try starting by focusing on who God is.

When three enemy nations decided to team up against King Jehoshaphat and God’s people, the king knew there was no way he could overcome those odds. So what did he do? He prayed, and he began by focusing on God before asking for help. I can do the same when I pray.

First, remind yourself of God's greatness.
Jehoshaphat prayed, “O LORD God of our ancestors, you rule in heaven over all the nations of the world. You are powerful and mighty, and no one can oppose you” (2 Chronicles 20:6 GNT).

When I'm praying for something I can’t control, don't focus on the problem. Focus on God's greatness. The bigger God gets in my mind, the smaller the problem becomes.

Next, remind myself of God’s unlimited power.
“When your people Israel moved into this land, you drove out the people who were living here.” (2 Chronicles 20:7 GNT).

When I realize that God has all the power in the world, it’s easier to trust him. As I pray, think of all the ways God has helped me, those around me, and people in the Bible.

Then, remind God of his promises.
Jehoshaphat reminded God of his promise that the land would belong to them forever. “When your people Israel moved into this land, you . . . gave the land to the descendants of Abraham, your friend, to be theirs forever” (2 Chronicles 20:7 GNT).

God has made promises to me as well. In fact, there are thousands of promises for me in the Bible. When a child reminds their parent of the promises they’ve made to them, it can be frustrating. But God loves to have his Word quoted back to him by his children. 

Finally, ask God for a breakthrough.
Jehoshaphat said of the attacking forces, “Punish them, for we are helpless in the face of this large army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but we look to you for help” (2 Chronicles 20:12 GNT).

Don't just ask God to bless my life. Focus on him, and trust that he knows exactly what’s needed for my breakthrough. Then watch for how he provides for me as I pray like Jehoshaphat.

In summary:

Jehoshaphat shows that when facing overwhelming circumstances, prayer should begin not with our problems but with God’s greatness. Instead of focusing on the crisis, he reminded himself of who God is—powerful, sovereign, and faithful to his promises. By recalling God’s past works and quoting his promises back to him, Jehoshaphat shifted his perspective from fear to trust. Only then did he ask for a breakthrough, admitting his helplessness and looking to God for help. Likewise, I can pray this way: magnify God first, remember his power and promises, and then confidently ask for his intervention, trusting him to provide exactly what I need.

Bottom Line:

When facing a crisis, don’t start with the problem—start with God. Focus on his greatness, remember his power and promises, then trust him to bring the breakthrough

My Next Wisest Step:

I need to strengthen my prayer rhythm by starting each prayer with God’s greatness, power, and promises before bringing him my needs.