I read about a rabbi who said, “I only pray when I’m in trouble. The thing is, I’m in trouble all the time.”
In some ways, I do better when I’m in trouble that when I’m not. I thought about that when I read these three scriptures about a guy named Jehoshaphat (what a name):
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.” 2 Chronicles 20:12
Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” 2 Chronicles 20:20
Later, Jehoshaphat king of Judah made an alliance with Ahaziah king of Israel, who was guilty of wickedness. 2 Chronicles 20:35
I love this chapter. It’s one of my top ten in the Bible. Jehoshaphat was in a pickle. He was being advanced upon by a huge alliance of nations, a mega-army. However, he totally turned to God and God fought the battle for him.
He focused on God when the wolves were circling, but he made an ungodly alliance with the king of Israel when times were better.
Like Jehoshaphat I tend to cry out to God and focus on Him when I’m in serious trouble. I say, like he did, “I don’t know what to do (that’s the bad news), but my eyes are on you (that’s the good news).” I’m looking to God for correction and direction with 20/20 vision. (2 Chronicles 20:20)
But then things get a little better and I tend to take my eyes of God. I take action, make commitments and arrive at decisions without looking to Him. It never works out right when I do that.