One of my favorite scriptures is found in the Old Testament in 2 Chronicles 20:12: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” This was part of a prayer that Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, cried out to the Lord in a time of desperation.
Jehoshaphat had just received word that a vast army was on the way to attack him. The king knew they could not fight against this great army, and defeat was imminent. He called all the people of Judah together to seek the Lord. As they came from every town in Judah, Jehoshaphat stood in front of the temple of the Lord and cried out to God.
He proclaimed the greatness of God, that power and might are in His hand and no one could withstand Him. He cried out in his distress, knowing that the Lord would hear and save them. Jehoshaphat ended his prayer in 2 Chronicles 20 with verse 12: “O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.”
God answered this prayer of desperation. He told the king, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (vs. 15). He told them to march out against the enemy the next day, but they would not have to fight this battle. They would see a great deliverance, for the Lord was with them.
As Jehoshaphat and his army marched out the next morning, they sang and praised the Lord, saying “Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever” (vs. 21). As they sang and praised and kept their eyes on the Lord, God set ambushes against the enemy army, and they turned on one another and were defeated.
“When the men of Judah came to the place that overlooks the desert and looked towards the vast army, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped” (vs. 24). God indeed brought a mighty deliverance.
What are you desperate about today? What great enemy is upon you, breathing down your throat, just waiting to finish you off? How many times have you cried out, “I just don’t know what to do”? What are the hopeless circumstances in your life that feel like they’re about to destroy you?
Your enemy today may be the threat of financial ruin, physical infirmities, depression and emotional despair, addictions that are about to overcome you, or painful family relationships. No matter what enemy is coming against you, there is one answer to victory – cry out to the God of power and might who hears us and is able to save us. Then watch and see the deliverance He will bring. “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.”
Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help you in your desperation. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at (845)482-5300.