Devotional

“If you look at the world, you will be distressed. If you look within, you will be depressed. If you look at GOD, you will be at rest!”  —Corrie Ten Boom 

  

 Sometimes January feels like a fresh start. A clean slate.  

 This year is no exception. Even though there is much trouble in the world, we can start over this January knowing God is fully in control! There is no virus big enough … no political turmoil great enough … no uncertainty uncertain enough to outdo the goodness of God! So, as you face 2022, remember this and take heart!  

 And as you look ahead, respond with faith in your Lord and Savior. We know faith is truly the key to victory in many situations.  

 Nestled between the better-known stories of Kings David and Solomon, in 2 Chronicles 20, is the short but powerful story of Jehoshaphat defeating the Moabites and Ammonites. 

 It says in Scripture that as soon as Jehoshaphat was warned of an impending attack, he pulled the people of Judah together to seek help from the Lord. What happens next gives us the steps to take when faith is hard to find … 

 Step 1: Prayer  

Jehoshaphat’s beautiful prayer ended with the words: “For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (v. 12). 

 Step 2: Worship 

“Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord … And … he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army … And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah” (v. 18-22). 

 Step 3: Confidently obey the Lord  

“And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, ‘Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed’” (v. 20).  

 Jehoshaphat’s army marched into battle, heads held high, singing to the Lord. And the Bible says it was a total victory for God’s children — and they never raised a sword!   

 Pray. Worship. Confidently obey what God is leading you to do … It all leads to victory! 

 

 My prayer this week—Lord, I want to live a life of faith no matter what is going on around me. Help me grow in faith and trust in you! Help me fill my days with prayer, worship, and confidence in you. I thank you, in advance, for the victories to come.