It was a time of crisis in Judah. A great multitude came up against Jehoshaphat and his people. What would the king do?
In his distress, Jehoshaphat prayed to God, saying: “O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon Thee” (2 Chron. 20:12). Though Jehoshaphat was a prudent man in organising the affairs of his kingdom, he did not turn to his captains, or consider his strongholds, but turned to God. In a time of sore national distress he called upon the Lord.
Part of his prayer was to acknowledge freely both his own, and his people’s, utter weakness and inability to meet the threat of the invading hosts. Jehoshaphat was honest when he prayed, “For we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do.” While he did not know what to do, he did know to turn to God. This was his wisdom. In the midst of weakness and national distress, how wonderful to think that this man could acknowledge, on behalf of himself and his people, “But our eyes are upon thee.”
Their gracious covenant God did not forsake them. It is interesting to note, that after this expression of faith, God gave assurance by a prophet that He would triumph over their enemies. They did not need to fight at all. The enemy was divided and confounded.
May we get grace to follow the example of this good man and in times of distress call upon the Lord. “In troublous times I’ll call on Thee; for Thou wilt answer send’ (Psalm 86:7, metrical version).
Rev George B Macdonald