I don’t know about you, but there are times when my life seems overwhelming and out of control, like a tornado. Responsibilities continue to add up, deadlines need to be met, people need to be seen, and unexpected surprises interrupt the plans for my day.
Life gets overwhelming, and fear creeps in. How am I going to get everything done, Lord? How am I going to deal with this overwhelming situation? I don’t know what to do.
I have said, “I don’t know what to do,” so many times. And every time I say those words, they send me to Jehoshaphat’s prayer in 2 Chronicles 20:12: “For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”
Do you feel powerless as you face an overwhelming situation? Are you scared or discouraged? Jehoshaphat gave us a great example to follow in those times. As I look at his prayer, several things stand out to me:
1. He recognized his inadequacy to deal with the situation. “For we are powerless…” He knew he needed God’s help and couldn’t handle this on his own strength.
2. He knew what he was up against. “…before this great multitude who are coming against us.” He didn’t minimize the problem or ignore it. He acknowledged how big and powerful the problem was.
3. He admitted his need for help. “Nor do we know what to do.” It’s ok to admit we don’t know what to do in an overwhelming situation.
4. He looked to the Lord for help. “Our eyes are on You.” He knew where to turn for help.
The next time you find yourself in an overwhelming situation and you don’t know what to do, look at Jehoshaphat’s prayer and look to the One who alone can walk you through it victoriously. Make Jehoshaphat’s prayer your prayer: “Lord, I don’t know what to do, but my eyes are on You.”
Exactly what I needed today–and for yesterday and for the next few years as I parent 3 teenagers. We are inadequate; we are up against the world, the flesh and the devil; we don’t know what to do; so may we continually turn our eyes to you.
Marie, I need this every day. And I honestly say those words, “I don’t know what to do” almost every day in the situation with my mom. Praying for you as you are in this season of life with teenagers. Thanks for your comment.
So true! I think we all often feel this way. I actually talk a little about this story of Jehoshaphat in my book, too. It’s a great reminder that God is bigger than all of our problems/fears, no matter how overwhelming they may seem. Crickett, thanks for another inspiring blog post!
Mandy, Jehoshaphat’s prayer is one I continually go to when I’m overwhelmed with life situations. This is where I was this week when I wrote this post. Can’t wait till “Wisdom from Wilbur” comes out!