Focus

The crisis was real. As “a great multitude” approached Judah to wage war, King Jehoshaphat reacted with fear. Then he sought God and called on the nation to join him in prayer.

God responded to this prayer, telling them not to be afraid: “For the battle is not yours.” They could go forward knowing that the Lord was with them. He promised that He would fight for them and defeat their enemies.

They responded to this powerful word with humility, praise, and worship. As their enemies approached, Jehoshaphat declared that they were to put “your trust in the LORD.” Then he appointed singers and praisers to go before the army. Amazingly, they weren’t to talk about their current crisis! Instead their message was simple: “Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.”

God’s people were to move forward with a spirit of thanksgiving, focusing on God’s continuing and eternal love. They were to trust in Him and walk by faith. It was this singing and praising that actually triggered the victory (v. 22).

Jehoshaphat’s actions provide a model for how we should approach the difficult circumstances in our lives. God is sovereign in every situation. The key to victory is to trust Him completely. We must “enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name” (Psalm 100:4).

These examples should be pillars of your life every day. Your focus always should be on God. Yes, you can tell Him your concerns and fears, your worries and burdens (Philippians 4:6-7). But never forget the importance of thanksgiving and praise. You don’t have to fear or worry, for His love is eternal and you’re always safe in His hands.