2 Chronicles 20

Jehoshaphat is the king of Judah. He is one of the “good” kings. Scripture describes him in this way, “His heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord.” 2 Chronicles 17:6 ESV. He did not serve the baals. Jehoshaphat removed the pagan shrines and removed the Asherim. He even sent officials out into the land with the Book of the Law to teach it to the people.

Jehoshaphat wasn’t perfect. He made a marriage alliance with Ahab…he went to war with Ahab and almost got killed. The Lord sent Jehu to rebuke Jehoshaphat for his bad behavior. We see him accept this correction well. He again went out among the people and brought them back to the God of their fathers.

Then comes chapter 20….The Moabites and the Ammonites came together with some of the Mennonites to make war against Jehoshaphat. His response was to turn to the Lord. Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah to seek the Lord. He prayed earnestly before the Lord.

I love how the Lord sends an answer to someone else. Jahaziel. Jahaziel gives the Lord’s answer. They are not to fear. The Lord is with them. They are to go out to meet this invading army.

The next morning, Jehoshaphat appoints singers and those who praised to go BEFORE the army. Go first? No shield? No sword? Just music instruments..songbooks? Maybe it WAS a good idea to tell the people not to be afraid the night before.

“Do not be afraid of sudden fear, nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.” Proverbs 3:25-26NASB

Sometimes an army of destruction can rise and come against us…a death…critical illness…financial ruin…desertion…Sudden fear grips our being.

That sudden fear is just that, fear. There have been times my flesh was scared for sure but I just went on, scared. Maybe that is real courage. God courage. The times we know our flesh is afraid but we move on confident in Him. As we keep taking the next step and the next step, courage shows up and fear diminishes. Don’t be paralyzed. Don’t embrace the fear. Embrace Him. He is with us. He is mighty to save. Jehoshaphat, the singers, and the army did just that.

I’ve told my little ones, ” If you are scared, just do it scared.” There are times we must move forward scared…fearful…go ahead…Remember what the Lord told Israel, “Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the Lord is with you.” 2 Chronicles 20:17NASB

He is with us…walk on.