“And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah…from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord…Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah…And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s…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.””

‭‭II Chronicles‬ ‭20:3-4, 14-15, 17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Fear – real or perceived – is a powerful motivator. From the womb to the tomb, fear is an experience every human can identify with. Dr. Ari Brown, MD, says babies have two innate fears: fear of falling and fear of loud noises. Wouldn’t it be nice if that’s all we fear now? Fear is a human experience. Even great men of the Bible feared. That’s why I find so much hope in the story of Jehoshaphat today. 

A great man feared a great multitude. He knew his people would be defeated and killed. His response? He “set himself” to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast thought out the land. And – surprise of surprises – people came. People fasted. People cried out. A community united in seeking G-d. What power! 

Here’s the thing G-d spoke to me today: we are created for community. He made me to NEED others. As much as I hate to admit it – it’s true! I am created for community. And when a community of believers unites around the name of G-d – one in purpose, a single cry – well, it’s powerful!!

And when we unite behind Him, on His side, He does the work. He fights for us. He provides for us. He shows up and shows off. 

Together – one voice – a sound of praise on our lips is the battle cry that sends Him running to our defense. It’s time to come out of the fortress we’ve created around our wounded hearts and join our voices with one another. 

Father – thank You for Your kindness to me. Be magnified in and through me. Show me how to love those around me. Create community in and around me. I long for connection. Open my eyes to see what’s before me and how my voice can fit with another. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen. 

Daily Reading: 2 Chronicles 19-23

June 30, 2022