Prepare – Psalm 37:23-24
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Devotional
How do I take the next step in the midst of all the chaos?
When things are overwhelming it can seem unclear and very challenging to process things. There are so many “what ifs” and not enough answers. We want to stay informed, but the information can be daunting and scary. In the midst God says to be still. He is speaking to us, even if we feel as though we can’t hear Him in the midst of our trials and chaos. Will we listen? What if it’s the only way for us to know, really know, what the next step is to be?
Jehoshaphat was King of Judah, the southern kingdom. He was a good king that truly sought the heart of God. In 2 Chronicles 20 Jehoshaphat was preparing for attack. It makes sense that he was afraid, particularly because the approaching army was powerful – clearly more powerful than Judah and easily able to destroy them. What was his first move? Pray and fast. I would love for you to take time to see his prayer in verses 5-12. Look at the movement. What is he declaring, feeling, and asking for? Then look in verses 13-17 for God’s answer. Verse 17 stops me in my tracks. I love the way the HCSB version puts it, “You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for Yahweh is with you.” Wow! How does that speak to you?
Eugene Peterson, in his book The Jesus Way, says, “We stop, whether by choice or through circumstance, so that we can be alert and attentive and receptive to what God is doing in and for us, in and for others, on the way. We wait for our souls to catch up with our bodies.” So, what is the next step for you / your family? No matter the circumstance, God see you, He cares, and He has the next step.
~ Loree Veith
Praise
Watch and listen to “Way Maker” by Christ Church Choir and “I Lift My Hands” by Chris Tomlin.
