“Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12 NIV).
I thought, I don’t know what to do. Should I buy this house or keep looking? Should I refinance my mortgage or stay with what I’ve got? Should I buy a new car or keep fixing my old car?
Because I’m single, I thought I had to make all decisions by myself. Especially the important decisions I discussed with my father when he was alive. I never thought about seeking God for wisdom to make decisions. I figured He had a lot more important things to do.
Let’s learn how to seek God’s wisdom when we don’t know what to do from King Jehoshaphat in the Bible. (Read the entire story of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 17:1-21:3.)
The reign of King Jehoshaphat
King Jehoshaphat, the fourth King of Judah, was one of the more successful kings when Israel was divided into the northern and southern kingdoms (as was King Hezekiah).
King Jehoshaphat began his reign by building a powerful military during peacetime. He also led the people to return to true worship by removing places of idol worship.
However, the time of peace was threatened when three enemy armies surrounded Judah and were ready to attack. Jehoshaphat proclaimed a national time of prayer and fasting to seek God’s wisdom in a crisis. He realized the nation was powerless without God’s help.
How to seek God’s wisdom
Pray first
Jehoshaphat sought wisdom from God. He turned to God in prayer first and called the nation to pray and fast for God’s rescue from their enemies.
Admit your helplessness
King Jehoshaphat’s prayer recalled God’s faithfulness in delivering the people from their enemies in the past and acknowledged their helplessness to fight such powerful enemies.
Scripture states, “Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12 NIV).
Praise and worship God
God’s answer to prayer through the prophet was “…Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15b NIV).
The people fell to the ground in worship when they heard God answered their prayers. King Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing and praise God’s holiness in very loud voices as they went out against the invading armies.
As they began to sing and praise, God confused the attacking armies, and they killed each other. None of the enemies escaped. God fought the battle for them as He promised.
King Jehoshaphat and the people rejoiced and praised God after three days of collecting the plunder. Then peace returned to the kingdom.
Final words
How often do you try to solve a problem without first asking God for wisdom? I know I do it a lot.
Next time, let’s remember King Jehoshaphat. God fought the battle when Jehoshaphat sought wisdom from God first, admitted his helplessness, and praised God.
However, because Jesus died on the cross, rose to life, and restored our relationship with God, the Holy Spirit lives within us when we believe. We can seek wisdom from God anytime when we don’t know what to do. Thank you Jesus!
