Panic Time!

ACK!!  You’ve heard some rather disturbing news about someone you know or perhaps even yourself, regarding a situation completely beyond your control. What do you do when panic sets in?

I love the story of Jehoshaphat, one of the kings of Judah, as told in 2 Chronicles 20:15.  It’s one of my all-time favorite stories.  A good friend reminded me of this story  as she addressed it while speaking to us at a women’s retreat over the weekend.  Driving home from the retreat, I received a call from a relative, informing me they were in a ‘panic time’ situation.  I prayed a prayer from this scripture, resolving to stand firm and watch God work it all out.  How timely that God would remind me of this Scripture just when we all needed to hear it!

What example did Jehoshaphat set that we can follow when we find ourselves in panic mode?   When Jehoshaphat found out that a huge army was about to descend upon him, he immediately became alarmed and shaken.  Fear gripped his heart as panic started to set in.  Let’s look at what he did next.

1.  Pray. The first thing Jehoshaphat did was pray.  He sought after God and pleaded for the entire country to do the same.  They came from all over to pray. Together, they were united in seeking God’s help.  Might be a good time to round up your Christian friends and ask them to pray for you.

2. Positioned himself to hear from God. He entered into God’s presence and was attentive to Him.  Time to tune out the world for a while.

3. Profess. Jehoshaphat professed they were helpless before God and did not know what to do other than to look to God for help. Swallow your pride.

4.  Plant your feet. Jahaziel reminded them the battle was God’s, not theirs.  All they had to do was to plant their feet, stand firm, and watch God’s saving work for them take shape.  Do everything you can do  -then let God do the rest.

5. Praise God. They continued to praise God and AS THEY WERE PRAYING, God caused the large army before them to become confused and turn on each other.  By the time Jehoshaphat arrived on the battle field, their enemies were already dead!  Start praising God NOW!

Standing firm and praising God this morning!