Jehoshaphat: The Problem Of Anxiety ‘Every person alive will have trouble’ (Job 5:7). Eliphaz said these words while trying to comfort Job. It is easy to agree with him. It is a hard fact of human experience. Trouble comes to us all at some time. We shall think about how a Christian deals with sudden trouble. There are situations in life that upset a Christian. We shall think about how he reacts to them This is what King Jehoshaphat did when he was so anxious 1 First of all, he prayed really hard ‘He decided to ask the *Lord what to do’ (2 Chronicles 20:3) 2 When you are in trouble, do not let anxiety control your thoughts The king’s trouble made him pray hard. Let us now look at his prayer in 2 Chronicles 20:6-12. First he remembers the former days. He remembers the great help that God’s people received. 3 In your trouble do not forget that God rules He knows about your present difficult situation. See how Jehoshaphat found help. He remembered a sure fact. God is in total control. ‘*Lord God...you rule in heaven over all the world’s nations. You have power and strength. Nobody can defeat you. You are our God’ (20:6) 4 Remember something when you have troubles Jehoshaphat probably remembered his own words to the people. ‘Be brave’, he had said. And, ‘The *Lord shall be with those who do what is right’ (19:11). There are 2 vital things here. The first is about what God has said (20:7). (Read Genesis 17:7-8.) Remember his promises. The second is about where you must look. Remember God’s nature (2 Chronicles 20:12). ‘We look to you for help.’ 5 There is always something for which you can thank God Perhaps serious trouble has come to you. You are feeling very, very sad. There is pain and despair. When things are at their worst, remember this important fact. There is always something for which you can thank God. Think about the benefits that king Jehoshaphat received from his trouble. 1 His prayer and friendship with God became better (20:3-5). 2 His trust in God became stronger (20:12). 3 His understanding of God increased (20:17). 4 His love for God increased (20:27, 28). The story began with the fear of man (20:3). It ended with the fear of God (20:29). Jehoshaphat’s experience convinced his neighbours. These nations did not know or follow God. But they could see that God was great and good (20:29). Our reaction to trouble is important. It can convince our friends and neighbours too. It can help to bring them to a personal experience of God. They can know the God who always loves. They can know the All-Powerful God for themselves.
Posted on: Tue, 24 Sep 2013 08:26:56 +0000
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