We Don't Know What to Do, But Our Eyes Are on You

We live in a mighty crazy, shaky world. Everything seems to be going our way when, in a moment's notice, we can be gripped with fear, concern, and worry. At those times, if we’re keeping our eyes on Jesus, we’ll stand strong no matter what the circumstances are that are swirling around us. Keeping our eyes on Jesus will keep us strong during those shaky times.

When the Israelite King Jehoshaphat first heard about three fierce armies coming to attack his kingdom, we read: “Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD. He proclaimed a fast for all Judah” (2 Chronicles 20:3). Jehoshaphat praised God before he cried out, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”

Life happens. Those times when we don’t know what to do or where to go. We’re quite willing to be directed by God to do and go – but sometimes the doing and going is hard to figure out. I’ll never forget when, like Jehoshaphat, we faced armies of our own. During my husband’s illness, there were many do-gooders who gave us advice. “Take this nutritional product. Trust God. Try this doctor. Go to this facility. Don’t eat this or that.” And, even some well-meaning people, with well-meaning intentions, told us of their own awful experiences or someone they knew who had died from the same illness.

How can we graciously respond to the voices and not give in to fear? God answered King Jehoshaphat — and all of us — by saying, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (2 Chron 20:15).
When Jehoshaphat and his armies were confronted with an overwhelming challenge, they prayed instead of worrying. They moved their eyes off the problem onto the ultimate Problem-Solver. Although they didn’t know what to do, they were filled with God’s inexplicable peace as they walked in faith.

Our family did the same thing. When wisdom was needed, we prayed. We didn’t make a decision unless we conferred and prayed about it. We daily sought God for guidance, and He led the way to the best medical teams. We had people around the world praying for us. We ate more nutritiously. We allowed God to fight the battle for us.

God carried us through, defeated the enemies circling us, and, ultimately my sweetheart got his "fast pass" to heaven. Through it all, we trusted in Jesus like never before. We were an example to others of what to do and where to go when you don’t know what to do and where to go. We learned to “keep our eyes always on the LORD. With Him at our right hand, we were not shaken.” (Psalm 16:8).

What are you facing today? The battle is not yours, it’s God’s. Start by praising God for who He is, then rest in the fact that He goes before you to help tackle whatever problem stands in front of you.

Lord, we praise You for Your power. We need only to look to You because You will go before us and fight our battles. Please forgive us for the times we take our eyes off You and become shaken and fearful. Help us step out in faith, knowing You go before us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

How Do You Fight Your Battles?

How Do You Fight Your Battles?
Do you bear any bruises and scars from battles that you may have been in lately-- maybe in the political arena or even in your home or workplace? On Sunday, I encountered a very well trained cashier at a store who was courteous, friendly, and even gave me a $10-off coupon off my purchase. Afterward, she said, “The only thing I ask of you is to pray for me. Just pray for my children to get along. That's all I need” And, I did. I am still praying for her children as I type this post. Her request grabbed my attention because I had just been in church and a lady there asked me to pray for her family to get along. And God must be saying "Oh, that my children would get along!"

When I heard those requests, it made me realize – battles are raging all around us on a daily basis -- the political world, family, marital, relational and financial issues, anxiety, depression, addiction, abuse, sickness, death, hopelessness, rejection, stress, loneliness, disappointment, etc. And the list goes on. Did I hit on one of the battles you may be facing today?

I met with a dear husband and wife last week who were weary and battle-worn. I sensed they needed a pick-me-up. Earlier in the day I was singing a song over and over again called, “Surrounded -- This is How I Fight my Battles“. It’s a stirring new worship anthem written by Elyssa Smith from the Dallas-based group, Upper Room. It has been playing in my head for weeks at random moments in my day. I played it for my friends from my iPhone. I could sense the heaviness in their hearts was lifted. Some of the words are: "This is how I fight my battles; It may look like I'm surrounded but I'm surrounded by You."

After we listened to the song, I read from 2nd Chronicles 20 where enemy forces were fast approaching Judah who was no match for the invaders. King Jehoshaphat called for prayer and fasting. Then Jahaziel, a young priest, prophesied with a loud voice, "The Lord says to you: 'Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's! You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you!" It was decided that singers should lead the troops into battle. Can you imagine? Those singers were the barrier between the enemies and the army of Judah! That daring step of faith showed that they believed God would fight for them. Jehoshaphat instructed the singers as they took their position. "Give thanks to the Lord, for His mercy endures forever." They were thanking God in advance for the victory He had promised the day before. No sooner had they begun to sing and praise that God caused the enemy forces to fight and destroy each other. When the army of Judah overlooked the battlefield, they saw only dead bodies on the ground. No one had escaped.

What an amazing testimony to the power of faith, prayer, and praise--and that same power is available to us today. Praise is the voice of faith. You may feel “surrounded” today. You may feel like the enemy and his forces are pressing in on you and are about to overtake you. Everywhere you turn, you see the worst possible set-up by the enemy. You think there is no way out, no way around and no way through. Oh, but do not be dismayed or disheartened. When it looks like you’re surrounded, remind the enemy how you fight your battles – not with a sword or spear or fear or worry – remind him that you are surrounded by the Lord God of hosts by praising and worshiping Him. Praise Him on the battlefront lines and when you do, God goes before you, fight and wins the battle for you..

Praise is the voice of faith. If we really believe God has heard our prayers, we will start praising Him for the answer, even before we see it. When we're tempted to get down and discouraged, let's remember to fight our battles with praise and thanksgiving!
“This is how I fight my battles”…..lyrics and song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWmjpF613y4