Position Yourself

2 Chronicles 20: 17

You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.

King Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, found himself and his kingdom surrounded by not one enemy but three. Word came to him that a great multitude is coming against him. Fear gripped him and not knowing what else to do, he turned to the Lord. In the past, God rescued him from battles. He had been a righteous king for the nation of Judah. He followed God faithfully and did everything just as King David (2 Chronicles 17: 3). He tore down the high places of Baal (2 Chronicles 17: 6).

Additionally, he appointed teachers to teach the Word of God in all Judah. Together with some priests, they traveled all through Judah teaching the commandments of the Lord from the Book of the Law (2 Chronicles 17: 7-9). Jehoshaphat understood that the people were ignorant of the Law of God, because his forefathers strayed away from the Lord. Because of lack of righteous kings before him, the people of Judah were unaware of the Law of God. Jehoshaphat was wise enough to first educate people in the Law of God so the people would return to righteous ways. He appointed righteous judges in each city of Judah to render righteous judgment (2 Chronicles 19: 5-6). The surrounding nations were in dread because of God’s hand on Jehoshaphat and Judah. Instead of waging war, they brought in tribute. Despite his misstep of befriending wicked Ahab, the king of Israel, he sought the Lord’s counsel, and the Lord was with him.

When three enemies surrounded him, Jehoshaphat declared a fast throughout all Judah to seek help from the Lord. When all Judah assembled before the temple in Jerusalem, King Jehoshaphat praised the Lord Almighty for His faithfulness in protecting His people. The Spirit of the Lord came upon a man named Jahaziel, who declared that the battle is not his but God’s. He also commanded that the king and the people of Judah to not be afraid or dismayed. He declared that God will fight this battle on their behalf.

However, God commands the king and the people to prepare themselves for the battle the next day, position themselves, stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord. When they heard this, the king and the people of Judah bowed and worshipped the Lord. The following day, the Levites encouraged the king furthermore to trust in the Lord. He consulted with them and appointed singers to sing praises to the Lord. He positioned these singers in front of the army. As they walked towards the battle, the singers praised the Lord saying, “Give thanks to the Lord, for His lovingkindness is everlasting.”

Our faithful God set ambushes against the enemies of Judah, causing to fight amongst themselves and destroy each other completely. As the people of Judah approached the lookout, only corpses of soldiers were found and none escaped. The defeat of the enemy was complete. Jehoshaphat and his people went back to Jerusalem with the spoils of war and joy in their hearts. Because of such display of the power of God, the surrounding nations were in terror knowing that the God of Judah is fighting their battles. King Jehoshaphat remained faithful to the Lord all the days of his life.

King Jehoshaphat worshipped God and sought His counsel in every aspect. When trouble was brewing nearby, without seeking counsel from anyone, he sought the Lord’s counsel. When fear gripped him, he fell into God’s strong arms. His position before the Lord was righteous. Though weak, he found strength in the Lord. How are we positioning ourselves in our lives today? Do we have a righteous standing before the Lord? Do we run to God when trouble is nearby? Do we seek Lord’s counsel when we are at the crossroads?

Whatever type of enemy we face today, whether family, health, financial, mental or spiritual, whose counsel do we seek? With treacherous mountains looming above us, do we rest knowing that our Lord walks before us and behind us? Have we positioned ourselves before Him so we could see our Lord fighting our battles for us? Are we praising and worshipping the Lord despite our troubled circumstances? Praise + Worship = Victory. Are we able to apply this formula in our walk of faith?

Dearly beloved, may the Spirit of God assure your troubled heart this day and this very hour to not be afraid nor dismayed, but stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. When you find yourself at the crossroads, unable to find the path that God has set before you, run to the One who willed that path for you. Position yourself as a praising vessel before the Lord. Position yourself as a seeker of God and His counsel in every aspect of your life. Position yourself as a witness of God’s goodness and faithfulness. When you find yourself on the lookout, you will see a completely defeated enemy. All you have to do is walk into the blessings of God that will be too numerous to count.