Alarmed, Determined

We need heaven, and we need a revival. We're desperate for it.

We want to be acutely aware of the lack of human resources, yet cling to the God who can do anything.

Today, we're going to pick up in the story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20 to have something to look to when we're in desperate times.

But first, who was Jehoshaphat? Let's look at 2 Chronicles 17:1-6, 18:1, and 19:1-3.

Jehoshaphat was:

• Born in 905 BC

• Son to Asa

• King of Judah

• In David's lineage

• Married to Ahab's daughter

At the start of his reign, Jehoshaphat followed in the ways of David before him, sought God, and as a result, God established the kingdom under his control, blessing him with great wealth and honor (2 Chronicles 17:1-6). But then, he allied himself with Ahab—the wicked king of Israel who worshiped Baal—through marriage (2 Chronicles 18:1). He even went into battle with Ahab, listening to false prophets while ignoring the one true prophet of God. Ahab died in battle, while Jehoshaphat’s life was spared, leading us into 2 Chronicles 19:1-3.

The pattern of these kings was to secure alliances with people who were not for God. But the underlying message of 2 Chronicles 20 is clear: God will come through for you. Don’t make alliances with wicked kings.

Read 2 Chronicles 20:1-21.

What a picture we see here. Three armies banding together seeking to destroy them, but they hear a word from God, and they put their worship team up at the front, saying, "Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever." (2 Chronicles 20:21)

Read 2 Chronicles 20:22-30.

They didn't need an alliance with a wicked king to have rest on every side, and God got all the glory.

Here are a few things to note from this story:

1. "Rightfully alarmed"

They were rightfully alarmed at the news—and we should be too. It’s natural to be concerned. But Jehoshaphat’s desperation was different from ours. Instead of spiraling into fear, he turned immediately to God.

2. Inserted a determined comma

As soon as he was alarmed, his reaction was to inquire of the Lord.

3. Proclaimed a fast

To start things, he stopped everything. It didn’t make sense to the world—who would want to begin a battle weak without food? But our weapons are not the world’s weapons.

4. Called on Heaven

Desperation in earthly terms means hopelessness. But in spiritual terms, it means acknowledging our inability and hungering for God, who can do what man cannot.

“...We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you."

2 Chronicles 20:12

Years earlier, Asa—Jehoshaphat’s father—had been reminded by Hanani the seer:

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

2 Chronicles 16:9

Asa ignored that word, but Jehoshaphat lived it out. Alarmed but prayerful, he called on heaven—and heaven answered.

God will fight for you if you put your trust in Him. We can have peace knowing He fights on our behalf, allowing us to walk by faith and not sight.

5. Believed and bowed

When he faced the army, Jehoshaphat put his face on the ground —the ultimate sign of trust even in the midst of trouble (2 Chronicles 20:18).

6. Replaced fear with faith rooted in worship

We often try to replace fear by masking it and using our comforts or distractions, or mustering up our own courage. However, the antidote to fear is faith expressed in confident worship (2 Chronicles 20:19-21).

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

Psalm 56:3

7. Their faith became sight

They witnessed God’s victory firsthand.

8. They named the place "gratitude"

In 2 Chronicles 20:26, they called it the Valley of Berakah, meaning blessing or thanksgiving. Do you mark moments in your life where God has come through to remind you of His faithfulness?

9. God got glory, and they got peace

When we cling to God in fear, He fights for us—He receives glory, and we receive peace.