"It is still called the Valley of Blessing today" . . .

" 'You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’ ” 

2 Chronicles 20:17

 

There is a magnificent story told in 2 Chronicles Chapter 20 when King Jehoshaphat learned a vast army was marching against them. Verse 3 shares, "Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance." He went out to his people and prayed, "Whenever we are faced with any calamity such as war, plague, or famine, we can come to stand in your presence," (v9a) "we can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us." (v9b) In verse 12 he shares, "We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help." Then as the people were all gathered, the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there, giving him words to share with the crowd, (v14) "He said, "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." (v15) In the verses that follow, on the day of the battle, we see that at the very moment the people begin singing to the Lord, and praising Him, (v21) the Lord caused confusion within the opposing armies and they began to fight against themselves. As a result, Jehoshaphat's nation didn't even have to fight, they just watched a victory unfold from the sidelines! It was such a great victory that day, verse 26 shares, "It is called the Valley of Blessing today."

Heavenly Father, when we are feeling powerless, thank you for reminding us that through actual events, the battle is not ours but yours. Thank you for this mighty leadership that you offer us against insurmountable forces. As King Jehoshaphat prayed, "We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help." Thank you for the tender refuge you Created in your Son, the Christ, a refuge that is established through the Cross in Grace. Thank you for helping us understand the powerful concept of a "Valley of Blessing."

Humbly in your Service, Amen.