READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l We have all been in troubling situations where we do not know what to do. It could be situations at work, home, health or other issues close to our hearts. In a world that salutes confidence, strength and decisiveness; the ability to solve problems, show capability and control becomes the identity for some. Admitting that one does not know what to do is dismissed as failure, weakness and loss of control.
The Bible often does not record heroes who knew what to do but people at a loss who faced failure and felt helpless but by prayer and grace found strength and help in God. Confessing we do not know what to do is not a confession of defeat but an expression of dependence on God; it is not the end of wisdom but the beginning of true prayer. One of the most heartfelt and vulnerable prayers graciously preserved in the Bible is the prayer of Jehoshaphat (V6-12).
Jehoshaphat is the fourth king of Judah who ruled over Judah for 25 years. A successful and capable ruler, he did what was right and instituted many reforms to bring his people closer to God.
In the passage, Jehoshaphat faced a great challenge when powerful enemies were closing in on Judah. The urgency of the threat would have prompted most people to rush into preparation for battle as there was no time to lose. However, Jehoshaphat sought God and proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. He was honest about his fears and committed the situation to God, instead of taking matters into his hands.
Fear is a part of our life here. The Bible has hundreds of statements that effectively tell us not to be afraid. This reflects a God who loves us, knows us and assures us not to be afraid. Walking with God does not take away our earthly fears.
Some reflections for prayer on the posture that can turn our fear to faith, the posture we can have when we do not know what to do:
1) Awe of who God is (V6)
Jehoshaphat began with the awe of who God is, not asking God for anything. Remembering God’s greatness is not denial of the problem but worshipping God in the face of trouble. It is easy to forget the staggering privilege of prayer which is to have direct audience with the King of the universe. Being in awe of God does not make our prayer smaller but puts our troubles in perspective. When God is big in our sight our fear becomes small in perspective. Prayer lifts his and Judah’s eyes away from the enemies around them to God above. Looking at God’s creation brings about a sense of the awe of God. Do we have the awe of God in our life?
2) Gratitude for what God has done (V7)
Jehoshaphat remembers God is the one who gave them the land by driving out the inhabitants. It is God’s possession and they can cry out to God when under threat. To cultivate gratitude, remember God has given us life, forgiveness, sustained us through difficulties and gives us hope. What can we be grateful to God today? Gratitude changes the way we live, help us not to be quick to criticise or compare, be patient, generous, love and not envy. Jehoshaphat stood in awe, was grateful and not bitter that the impending enemies were the nations spared by them when they came out of Egypt. Remembering what God has done while he stood in awe of God gave him courage to trust God.
3) Trust in what God will do (V 12)
As an experienced military leader with impeccable record, Jehoshaphat could have caved in to pride, pretending he has plans to counter the enemies, projecting confidence, and rallying his troops to show he is in control. Instead he chose to stand before God and admit he is powerless and do not know what to do.
Effective prayers begin with complete surrender to God, acknowledging we do not know what to do and fixing our eyes on God. Our most powerful prayers come from our sense of powerlessness. Confession of spiritual dependence is not weakness as we are helpless without God in all areas. Apart from God we can do nothing (John 15:5).
Prayer is not about projecting spiritual strength, it is not about looking spiritually good before others or using the best words but confessing spiritual dependence and admitting our helplessness. Jehoshaphat called for help (not preparation for battle), submission (not strategy) and prepared hearts (not weapons). Do not wait till a crisis before we turn to God. We need God in crisis and peace. Unless God builds the house, its builders labour in vain (Psalm 127:2). Make prayer the first course of action when we do not know what to do.
May God give us grace to commit what we face to Him, knowing He loves us, hears us and always knows what to do. Let us fix our eyes on God as the battle belongs to Him (V15).
(Sermon notes by Woo Choi YIn)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- What are some ways we can cultivate a sense of awe towards God in our daily lives?
- In what ways can you practice gratitude in your daily life, especially when facing difficulties? How would it affect your trust in the Lord when facing challenge?
- How can acknowledging our fears lead us closer to God in prayer, as demonstrated by Jehoshaphat?
