I have a confession to make: I’m a verbal processor. What does that mean, you might ask? Recently, I was confronted with a situation I didn’t know how to handle, so I reached out to those close to me and verbally worked out an idea or solution, or so I thought. The Bible says in Proverbs 11:14b, “But In the multitude of counselors, there is safety.” Yes, but God has challenged me that counselors should not be the first voice in the conversation. God must be first, then allow counselors to agree with what God has already revealed. When we believe in God’s word, we will prosper and succeed.
One of the events in the Old Testament that I am drawn back to over and over is 2 Chronicles 20, where King Jehoshaphat finds himself with his back against the wall as three armies have gathered, ready to attack and throw Judah out of their God-given inheritance. The truth be known, this is still the enemy’s objective concerning every purchased passion that belongs to you in Christ. What I noticed was King Jehoshaphat’s reaction to this unwelcome news. As you read this, maybe you’ve had some recent unwelcome news; I know I have. When King Jehoshaphat was opposed, his first response was to seek the Lord. God belongs at the beginning of every endeavor. Not the end or middle, but first. (Matthew 6:33)
2 Chronicles 20:3 (NLT) says, “Jehoshaphat was alarmed by this news and sought the Lord for guidance.” News can be alarming and challenging as it hits our hearts and exposes our faith and level of trust in God. Think about this: panic is a groundless fear. When we have God’s word and a covenant written in the blood of Jesus our response should be one of boldness and confident expectation concerning the situation’s outcome.
As you continue reading this chapter, we see this: 2 Chronicles 20:12 (NLT) as King Jehoshaphat says, “O our God, won’t you stop them? 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.” Wow! There is so much in this verse for me. King Jehoshaphat begins to state some things, but before you criticize his words, notice that this conversation and his honest evaluation is to God, not man. King Jehoshaphat did not have his eyes on the alarming news but on the author and finisher of his faith. Prayer and giving attention to God was not his last resort but his first response.
The Bible calls acknowledging God first, waiting. Waiting on God should not be seen in the light of time like waiting at a bus stop. But rather from the knowledge and awareness that what is needed for the crisis is available and already provided in Christ.
Isaiah 40:28-31 (NLT) says, “Have you never heard or understood? Don’t you know that the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of His understanding. He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youth will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who WAIT on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” You can talk to everyone and your mother. You can search the Internet or AI “ChatGPT” and end right where you started or even worse. Psalms 25:3 (AMPC) says, “Yes, let none who trust and wait hopefully and look for You be put to shame or be disappointed;” The truth is that when we wait and look expectantly to the Lord, we will never be ashamed or leave without counsel and next steps.
When we respond to His goodness and faithful love, God is already there, pouring out everything we need to succeed and overcome. Isaiah 30:18 (AMPC) says, “And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His matchless, unbroken companionship]!
Notice the result for King Jehoshaphat, who waited on the Lord. I believe this is God’s word to us in this season. If we have ears to hear, we will enter 2025 ready for God’s unrivaled favor and abundant provision in our bodies, bank accounts, and relationships. 2 Chronicles 20:14a -15, 17 (NLT) says, “The Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there…He said, ‘Listen, King Jehoshaphat! Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! 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. But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions, then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out there tomorrow, for the Lord is with you.’”
As I mentioned earlier concerning verbal processing, I was still filled with frustration and a lack of wisdom after my efforts. Then, I began to pray and seek the Lord. I began to wait on the Lord and was given peace and counsel that brought about resolve. I’m learning and training myself with God’s help to take my problems to Him and say, “God, I don’t know what to do with this, but my eyes are on you…help!” My Christmas wish is that you would join me in this endeavor to wait on the Lord first and allow him to renew our strength! He loves you so much and has given you the victory!