The Battle is the Lord’s

“Now it came about after this that the sons of Moab and the sons of Ammon, together with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat. Then some came and reported to Jehoshaphat, saying, ‘A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, out of Aram and behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar (that is Engedi).’ Jehoshaphat was afraid and turned his attention to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. So Judah gathered together to seek help from the LORD; they even came from all the cities of Judah to seek the LORD.” 2 Chronicles 20:1-4

“Then in the midst of the assembly the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, the Levite of the sons of Asaph; and he said, ‘Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says the LORD to you, “Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s. Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley in front of the wilderness of Jeruel. You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem” Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the LORD is with you.’ 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.” 2 Chronicles 20:14-18

When Jehoshaphat heard the nations of Ammon and Moab were planning to attack Judah, he became afraid. Yet the Bible records something far more important about this king and his relationship to God. It says in his fear he “turned his attention to seek the Lord” (2 Chron. 20:3).

How we respond to times of adversity and trials often reveals the depth of our relationship with God. The king purposefully set his focus on the Lord in prayer and vowed to seek His deliverance above any human effort.

There’s something about being hemmed in with God during fiery circumstances that brings out the honesty of our hearts. Before Jehoshaphat could face the people of Judah, he had to first be alone with God in prayer. And there in the quietness of God’s presence and peace: “Do not fear or be dismayed...the battle is not yours but [Mine].”

No matter what you are facing, there is always victory through prayer because it actively connects your circumstances with the moving power and presence of God.