Overwhelmed? Stand Strong

In summary of 2 Chronicles 20:20b it says, “Put your trust in the Lord your God and you will stand your ground. Believe what his prophets tell you, and you will succeed."

Bottom Line:

Trust in the Lord your God, and you will be made strong. Trust in the men who speak for Him, and you will do well.

What This Means to Me:

In this Chapter of 2 Chronicles Jehoshaphat and his people were at a point of being overwhelmed by opposing armies.  It didn’t look good for them. Jehoshaphat went to God with his concerns and listened to one who spoke up and encouraged others in the group. Jehoshaphat provided these instructions to his people before they went out to the battlefield and these are a great example for me as well when I’m feeling overwhelmed by situations around me.  

In summary, I need to put my trust in God, and then stand my ground.  When I do He will provide the strength for me to do this.  I also need to trust in the men who speak for God (believe in his prophets.)  If I do, then I can succeed in what’s against me.  In verse 15, Jahaziel told the people, ‘Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.’

I need to carefully examine what I’m focusing on right now.  If discouragement is present, it’s not from God.  I believe it would be difficult to be discouraged and focus on God at the same time.  I should always turn to God first and talk to him about my problem.  Then trust him to help me and remember "The Lord says you must not be discouraged or be afraid to face this vast army. The battle depends on God, not you" (2 Chronicles 20:15b GNT).  Instead of fighting the battle, I’m to ‘stand strong.’  To stand strong is an attitude of quiet confidence.  I’m not getting ahead of God, but I’m also not backing up or away from Him.  I’m staying put and watching God work.  

One of the most important truths I need to remember and learn is that is never God’s will for me to run from a difficult situation. If I do, he’s going to bring it up again. God wants me to learn that he is sufficient in every situation, and if I don't learn it in this situation, he’ll just provide the opportunity again in a different situation.

So, I am to stand firm in ‘putting my trust in God.’  To be successful, I need to stand and rely on the character of God and the Word of God and then have faith in God and what his prophets have said.