2 Chronicles 20, Our Eyes Are On You, O God!

In an age when political leaders often parade on the world stage, displaying arrogance, threats, and bluster, our passage today reveals a leader whose words are incredibly honest. Disarmingly so.

The text reveals Jehoshaphat’s attitude when he faced the imminent invasion by Moab and Ammon.

This past Sunday, I was privileged to hear David Curry speak about this text and historical event. Today’s blog is based on that sermon.

At first, Jehoshaphat admits he is afraid. However, instead of seeking the advice of his military leaders, the Scripture says he “set his face to seek the Lord.” Then he “proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.”

What leader of a nation does that?

However, Jehoshaphat realized the answer to this crisis would not be found in human strategy or military might. So, he sought a spiritual solution. Calling the people together, he fervently prayed to the Lord. Acknowledging God as the true King of nations, he implored Him for deliverance from their enemies. In verse 12, after calling on the Lord to execute justice and judgment, he humbled himself and confessed:

“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.”

These words speak to a powerful progression of faith. They move from helplessness to humility to hope. They offer an attitude and response we can follow when we face overwhelming odds and seemingly hopeless situations in life.

#1 We Are Powerless.

Jehoshaphat does not begin with bravado or denial. He does not inflate Judah’s strength or pretend the danger is manageable. He simply tells the truth: “We are powerless.”

That admission runs against our natural instincts. We prefer self-reliance. We are taught to “figure it out,” “push through,” or “take control.” Yet Scripture repeatedly reminds us that spiritual clarity often begins when human strength ends. Powerlessness is not weakness when it is honestly confessed before God—it is realism.

While faith does not ignore reality, it does believe in a power greater than human resources can provide. Like the apostle Paul, we can echo this statement of confidence: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).

Human power is finite, but Divine power is infinite. Human ingenuity is limited, but God’s resources are unlimited. Human answers often reach a dead end, but in the words of the hymnist, “I know the Lord will make a way for me.”

#2 We Don’t Know What to Do.

Can you imagine the President of the United States speaking from the Oval Office about the national crisis and saying, “We don’t know what to do.” Then calling on people to pray and to fast. Well, that’s what this spiritual leader did. He admitted his inability to find the solution.

Preachers, pastors, and even parents today often feel they must have all the answers. A couple of years ago, I wrote a blog post entitled: “3 Powerful Words We Rarely Hear From Preachers.” They were: “I don’t know.”  Let’s not pretend we have all the answers.

Admitting we don’t have all the answers is not an admission of ignorance or despair; it’s an attitude of humility. Saying, “Lord, I don’t know,” invites Him into our hearts to make a way for us.

#3 Our Eyes Are on You, O God.

Jehoshaphat’s prayer does not end with uncertainty, doubt, or helplessness. It ends in trust. Faith. Confidence. And patience. While the threat is still real. And the enemies are still coming. The King is not looking at the problem, but to Him who has the solution.

Of course, we often want a positive answer from the Lord when we face seemingly insurmountable problems, but there are three possibilities.

He may say “yes” and grant our request.

He may say “no” as in Paul’s prayer regarding his “thorn in the flesh.” God may be saying to us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9).

He may say, “wait.” Not all prayers are answered as quickly as was Jehoshaphat’s. Remember God works, not as we want, but “in His time.” There are times for us to heed the counsel of the Psalmist:

Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!
–Ps. 27:14

When we imbibe Jehoshaphat’s attitude, faith will dispel fear. Trust will overcome doubt. Panic will turn into peace.

Indeed, as the Prophet Zechariah joined with the King and affirmed, “the battle belongs to the Lord.” With His help, we will ultimately be victors.

Then, like Judah of old, we can proclaim: “Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman