How I Stayed Grounded Through a Busy Week
Have you ever realised that some days test your patience, flexibility, resilience and growth? This past week was one of those weeks for me. Between
This morning, my eyes fell on some notes I had written during a Bible study session with a friend. The note that caught my attention was “Prayer then an immediate answer”, and the scripture next to the note was 2 Chronicles chapter 20.
I had just completed my morning prayers and was about to pick up my devotional, but instead, I decided to read the chapter—and what a blessing. I decided immediately to share this on my blog, even though I know it needs work, and this will, most likely, need some extra editing. So here it goes:
I picked up my Bible and paused for a moment, wondering whether to read it from the KJV or the NLT—I settled on the NLT and began reading. The story is about King Jehoshaphat receiving a message that a vast army is coming to wage war. When the king heard the news, he was terrified and immediately begged the Lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting. Togetherm the king and the people came before the Lord for help.
This is the first thing that impressed me. He got afraid and immediately sought God. The second thing that stuck with me was his prayer. He acknowledged who God is and God’s power. He also made reference to many great things God had already done for His people. I paused for a while to ponder on the meaning of the following words in my own life today: Whenever I am faced with calamity, I can come into God’s presence where His name is honoured. I can cry out to God to save me, and he will hear me and rescue me. Right at that point, I considered that God’s presence may be felt more powerfully in His temple (at Church or with other believers). I asked myself, “Is this one of the reasons we recommend congregating with other Christians as much as possible (Hebrews 10:25, Matthew 18:20, Acts 2:42, Colossians 3:16)?
In verse 12, the king shows his vulnerability and admits to his helplessness. “We do not know what to do, but we are looking for your help”. How many times have you felt lost and without guidance? This prayer resonates with me! Whenever I am faced with new situations, this is my prayer.
What happened next encouraged me today. Verse 14 says, the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there, and he spoke to the people and the king. Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged. The battle is not yours, but God’s. He then gives them instructions on what they should do and tells them, “You will not even have to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you…” He tells them again, “Don’t be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”
This made me think of the thing I am currently facing (we always have something facing), and I applied those words to my situation. I have chosen to leave these concerns before God and to stand still, awaiting His instructions and guidance.
I know this is raw and unedited. My current circumstances have left me with less free time than I used to have, so I will share this as it is, praying that 2 Chronicles chapter 20 encourages someone today. Maybe I will refine this later, but for today, this is where I stop.
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Have you ever realised that some days test your patience, flexibility, resilience and growth? This past week was one of those weeks for me. Between