Before You Begin
Pause. Quiet your mind, take a slow breath in and out. Stay in this moment.
Passage
Reading & Reflection
Chronicles is a book in the Old Testament that records historical accounts of Israel. It tells of kings, of battles, and of family trees. Many of the stories included in this book highlight the greatness and faithfulness of God to His people.
2 Chronicles 20 tells an incredible story. King Jehoshaphat was the 4th King of Judah and lived just under 1,000 years before Jesus was born. He just learned that three “vast” armies are banding together and calling Judah to war. Jehoshaphat knows he’s the underdog in this battle and has no chance of winning.
Jehoshaphat’s first plan of action is to pray to God. Scripture actually says he begged. He was desperate! First, he prays by himself. Then, he invites the entire nation to gather together to fast, pray, and seek the Lord’s guidance. What happens next is surprising.
What did God say? He said to STAND STILL. Standing still or waiting in the middle of needing help seems so counterintuitive; so passive. But what waiting actually demonstrates here is powerful: it acknowledges that God can do what we can’t. It points to our dependence on God and demonstrates faith that God will act. The result for Jehoshaphat and the army was victory: God caused the opposing armies to turn on each other, to fight among themselves. By the time God’s people of Judah arrived at the battleground, there was complete desolation of their opponents. Not a sword was drawn by Jehosophat’s men, and the passage says not a single enemy escaped!
This story of ancient Israel is a modern-day reminder that practicing stillness is one of the best things we can do to prepare for our future battles. We may not know what the future holds, but we can prepare now by practicing stillness in the presence of God.
The practice of stillness is lost in our culture of speed, efficiency and improvement.
When you’re faced with a situation out of your control, do you respond with worry? Grasp for control? Can you trust that God’s love and care will carry you? Waiting on God is not a passive act; it is an active one. It’s an active demonstration that we believe God can and will move; pausing ourselves leaves space for God to move in ways that surpass our expectations and even understanding.
Bottom Line: Let us stay focused and obedient, making space for God to move in our stillness.
Morning Prayer
Lord, today I choose to trust You with all my heart. I give You all of my life’s circumstances and situations. You know what I need better than I do. Teach me your ways, and give me the courage to wait for You and your timing.
Evening Prayer
Father, I end this day with thankfulness for the way you cared for me today. I know I can trust you to take care of my daily needs, both small and large. Reveal to me where I’m trying to solve my own problems in areas I don’t have control over. Let me be still and wait on you, knowing I can trust you to go before me. You’ve taken care of me so far, and I trust you will work in situations that I can’t control in the future. I confess that I can try to control things when I shouldn't worry and should instead give my worries to you, because you care so much for me.
[ pause ]
Father, I want you to lead me, and I thank you for the peace I receive when I follow you. Thank you for your love for me. In Jesus' holy name I pray. Amen.
