Coping with Chaos
“Another fire alarm today?” I joked with the principal. It seemed each time I subbed at that school, I’d be notified of an impending emergency drill. Without the warning, there’d be chaos in the classroom. The startling noise always caused me to jump out of my shoes and terrified the young children.
Designed to get our attention and call us to action, alarms are, well…alarming.
I’m alarmed, aren’t you? I’m concerned for our world, our nation, our churches and schools. I’m alarmed for our families, our future. We are all wondering, what can we do…no… what should we do?
“We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you,” my phone announced. I was listening to a Bible app while preparing for church one Sunday. The humble prayer made me pause. That’s for today, Lord. Right now.
Later, using my printed Study Bible, I dug deeper into 2 Chronicles 20 where the plea is found. Smack dab in the middle of warring nations, we find Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, under the threat of a “vast army” (v. 2). Cue the alarm. The king would have to act. Of course he would. The threat called for skill, cunning, and courage. Rally the troops! Fortify lines!
Actually, no.
This king was peculiar in his day. Many leaders before and after him, in both Judah and Israel, called on advisors, questioned prophets, or sought help from Baal and other false gods. Most had rejected the Lord, following their own hearts instead of the One who led their ancestors from slavery to freedom. Many had called on pagan gods instead of the True God. Jehoshaphat broke from those efforts. Yet he did act, make no mistake. “Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah” (v.3).
THEM’S FIGHTIN’ WORDS
As a wordsmith, I like to home in on the verbs found in Scripture. Here’s how Jehoshaphat reacted:
“Resolved.”
“Proclaimed.”
“Stood…and said:”
Let’s take those apart. “Resolved” implies determination, firm in purpose. Certainly not passive. What had he set out to do? Inquire of the Lord. King Jehoshaphat resolved to seek the Living God.
Next, he proclaimed a fast for all of Judah. In other words, he rallied the troops in a different way. By calling on the country to fast and pray, he recognized the impact when believers unite and call upon the Lord. And the people came.
Finally, Jehoshaphat stood before the people and spoke aloud to the God of the Universe. It’s a beautiful prayer.
A PRAYER FOR HURTING NATIONS
He began his prayer by identifying the One and only God, the God of the heavens and Ruler over all kingdoms and nations. Then he recalled God’s track record, identifying the glorious acts of God, giving Him credit. Next, Jehoshaphat reminded God of His promise to hear the cries of His people and save them.
Then, and only then, did Jehoshaphat lay his concerns regarding the enemies of Judah before the Lord. He relinquished the judgement of his foes into God’s hands and admitted his own powerlessness. In humility, he looked to God for help.
Are you feeling powerless these days? Me too.
Are you wondering how you’re going to face the future? Yeah, I get it. Are you tempted to judge and jump in the fray?
Some days it seems the threats in our country and around the world are closing in. “We don’t know what to do…”
ALL WE CAN DO IS PRAY
I’ve said that phrase a thousand times, and now it makes me cringe. Not that I have anything against prayer, mind you. But when we say, “all we can do,” we treat the action as if it’s a left-over option, the one we try when all efforts have failed. The phrase treats prayer like a flimsy substitute compared to the activities of others we see on the news. When, in fact, prayer is the most powerful action we can take.
Jehoshaphat knew that and left us a model to follow.
GOD’S ANSWER IS OUR ANSWER
If you continue to read the passage in 2 Chronicles, you’ll find God did hear the prayer of Jehoshaphat and answer him, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v. 15). Following His encouragement, the Lord gave His marching orders. Open the Bible yourself for the rest of the story.
Friend, what battles are you fighting? Are there coworkers who have become your adversaries? Are church members taking sides? What fears keep you up at night?
The alarms are ringing, but don’t be alarmed. Take your eyes off the chaos and put them the One who fights our battles. You can act right now—on your knees. Before you take a step, humbly seek the One True God. Give Him your burdens. Ask for your marching orders. Trust in His holy plan for your school, church, family, and our nation.
Will you pray this prayer with me?
Father in Heaven, Creator of the Universe; Jesus, Son of God, our Savior; and Holy Spirit, who gives us faith,
You do all things well. You have provided all we need. You see and love us. You know our hurting and worried hearts. You promise you will never leave us or forsake us. We give each care and concern to You. Take them, Lord, and replace them with peace. God, if there is some action we need to take, lead us. Guide and protect us. We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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