Fixed Focus

2 Chronicles 20:12 (New International Version)

“For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

There are times when life slams us down and we can’t see straight. We are left to ask questions and face the reality of not knowing what to do. I’ve had moments when I honestly don’t know what to do, except to say, “help, Lord.”   

The story that precedes today’s verse is about King Jehoshaphat (I love his name) who was told there is a battle coming, with a “vast number.” In verse 3, Jehoshaphat, “was afraid and he resolved to seek the Lord.” He goes on to pray to the Lord in verse 6, and says, “Power and might are in your hand, and no one can stand against you.”  

The steps in his strategy don’t sound like a military general planning his response to being attacked. He doesn’t consult with his staff or design a battle plan. Quite the opposite.

First, Jehoshaphat resolved to seek to the Lord. Resolved means “firmly determined to do something.” He didn't wait or worry or throw up his hands. He went directly to the Lord.  

Second, he knew God was powerful and could be trusted. “No one can stand against you.”

Jehoshaphat had history with God from the past that built his faith to trust God in the present. Finally, he recognized his powerlessness and placed his eyes on God. His vision and focus were fixed on the God he knew, powerful in the past, faithful in the present, and trustworthy in the future.   

What battle are you facing today? What decision feels heavy and unclear? Where is your focus?  

We don’t have to know what to do. We have a Savior that we can run to in our powerlessness and fix our gaze on His face. God is faithful to help us when we don’t know what to do.  

Dear Lord,

I am powerless without You. You are my only source of power. Give me a fixed focus on You, before the battle, in the battle, and after the battle. Help me keep my eyes on You amidst the distractions around me. In Your Mighty and Powerful Name, Amen.