One of “Those” Days

The Lord says this to you: Be not afraid or dismayed at this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 2 Chronicles 20:15b AMPC

He knows the way that I take. Job 23:10

Have you ever had one of THOSE DAYS?  You know, the kind of day layered with lost keys, spilled coffee and a cancer diagnosis? A day layered with running late, slow traffic and a drug-addicted adult child?

Recently, I encountered just such a day layered with small set backs,  painful realities and emotional bankruptcy, mingled with running late and the inconsequentialness of returning packages. Layers of real-world challenges that could easily be described as “a great multitude” coming against me. Have you ever been there?

In today’s Scripture reading, King  Jehoshaphat is having one of THOSE days. He was presented with the reality of invading armies (from all sides) layered with instant fear of what-if, mingled with sheer panic. But before fear had a chance to get a foothold into his thinking, the king turned immediately to the Lord, as his vital need (see AMPC). The great multitude of trial caused his eyes to look up and uniquely prepped his heart to obey whatever the Lord commanded. Trials have a way of doing that, don’t they?

Through the Lord’s prophet, the king was given the message, “Be not afraid or dismayed at this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s…take your position, stand still and see the deliverance of the Lord…For the Lord is with you.” The Spirit of God affirmed the reality of a great multitude,  yet encouraged the man of God/king to resist the urge to fear. And to remember Who is walking with him. God Himself.

At this, the king “fell down before the Lord, worshipping Him.” When others saw his response, they sang to the Lord in a “very loud voice.” Take note with me, nothing had yet changed in their circumstances, only in their response to it.

Back to my day of days, once home and alone… even as my heart ached and the tears fell, I bowed before the Lord and acknowledged His goodness, His faithfullness and His Sovereign control over all things. Including this crazy day of difficulty. Though it was still one of THOSE days, He strengthened my inner-man with the knowledge that it was His battle to fight and my job to pray, trust and obey.

Whatever this day brings you, multitudes of challenge or multitudes of “blessings” – fear not. Be not dismayed. For the Lord your God is with you. He will fight for you. Trust Him.

When they think Him least near, He is often the nearest. – Macduff

Father God, I am in awe of Your ability to offer comfort and peace, even as the “multitude” swirls around. I will stand still and refuse to fear. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus