OVERCOMING CRISIS

Who or what do we turn to when crisis strikes? Where do we place our hope and trust?

Do we depend on our wisdom, past experience, financial resources or advice from well-meaning friends in an attempt to find an easy way out of crisis? Is it our practice to turn to God only after all these avenues have been exhausted?

                                                                     

Under threat of foreign invasion, Judah depended on a military alliance with Egypt to beef up its defenses. Without consulting God, Judah chose to trust in Pharaoh's horses and chariots. Its folly prompted Isaiah to deliver God’s message of condemnation—Judah will be humiliated because Egypt will not be of any help (Isaiah 30:1-4).

However, King Jehoshaphat did not rely on foreign horses and chariots. When the combined armies of Moab, Ammon and Edom declared war on Judah, Jehoshaphat told the nation: “Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper” (2 Chronicles 20:20).

                                                                        

Next he appointed a worship team to declare God’s faithfulness: “Praise God for His mercy endures forever.” He made these worshippers move ahead of the army, a most unconventional way of going into battle. As they worshipped, God caused their enemies to fight and kill one another. Thus God gave King Jehoshaphat victory over his enemies without him having to go into battle. Because he feared God, there was peace and rest for Judah during his reign.

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7).

“His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior;

the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love”

(Psalm 147:10-11).

“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD”

(Proverbs 21:31).

Perhaps today we cannot identify so readily the modern-day equivalent of ‘horses and chariots’. It might be our wisdom, past experience, financial resources or advice from well-meaning friends.

Though it is legitimate to use natural and human ways to solve crisis in our lives, the wise would rather seek and consult God first.

When we are at our wits’ end for an answer, then the Holy Spirit can give us an answer. But how can He give us an answer when we are still well supplied with all sorts of answers of our own? – Karl Barth

                                                                         

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

(Proverbs 3:5-6).

"Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight,” says the Lord.

(Jeremiah 9:23-24).

In returning and rest you shall be saved;
In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.

(Isaiah 30:15).


                                                                         

I lift up my eyes to the hills.
    From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.

(Psalm 121:1-2)