2020 has been a year that has left many of us reeling with frustration, fear and financial hardships. Covid 19, political division, and racial tension has taken a toll on all of us. So it is only natural that entering a new year can leave us a little apprehensive. I came across a verse of scripture that seems to fit into our situation that offers us a great encouragement.
It seems that the nation of Judah was in dire straits during the reign of King Jehoshaphat. The Ammonites and Moabites were preparing to attack the nation. As the king knew he was facing overwhelming odds he went to the temple and assembled the nation before him. He then addressed the Lord and pleaded with Him for deliverance. His beautiful prayer which is recorded for us in 2 Chronicles 20 includes a final word of hope: “O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12).
There are so many times when we do not know what to do. When we face family turmoil or we lose our source of income, we feel lost. When the familiar ways we have always done things change we lose our confidence. When we are walking down a dark road we often don’t know which way to turn. I am sure that is exactly the way King Jehoshaphat felt when he was surrounded by the Ammonites and the Moabites. Yet he was able to say in that heartfelt prayer: “our eyes are on You”.
Are we able to say that when the Ammonites and Moabites are surrounding us? Are we able as God’s people to enter this new year with boldness and confidence? Even if we do not know exactly what to do in every situation, may we say with King Jehoshaphat that: “our eyes are on You”.