Psalm 83

“Don’t you hear the uproar of your enemies? Don’t you see that your arrogant enemies are rising up?” (Psalm 83:2, NLT)

Doesn’t it seem sometimes that God isn’t paying attention? Doesn’t it occasionally feel like you are alone against the world? That is how Asaph must have felt as enemies of Israel arose against them. It was an evil conspiracy. Many of Israel’s perennial enemies joined forces: Edomites, Ishmaelites, Moabites, Ammonites, Amalekites, Philistines and others. Even the great nation of Assyria allied with them to wipe out God’s people. The historical event that most closely matches this scenario is found in 2 Chronicles 20. King Jehoshaphat greatly feared this multitude. So he set himself to seek the LORD and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. Then he prayed:

“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, ESV)

Sometimes circumstances are so overwhelming that we are paralyzed. Thankfully, we can also pray this prayer of Jehoshaphat. We may not know what to do, but we can look up to the One who knows everything and who dearly loves us as His own children. It may seem like our situation has escaped God’s notice, but it hasn’t. The One who numbers the hairs on our head is always keeping watch over us. Granted, He does sometimes allow us to get into situations that are well beyond us. Then we become desperate for Him and seek Him with all our hearts. When we are abiding in Christ and our cause is just then we need not fear, for if God is for us, then what difference does it make who is against us? When our enemy comes in like a flood, God will raise up a standard against him (Isaiah 59:19).

What was the word of the LORD to Jehoshaphat?

“Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.” (2 Chronicles 20:15, ESV)

We are wise to remember this. When we have done our best and then brought the situation to God, we can take our position, stand firm in the faith, and see the salvation of the LORD (2 Chronicles 20:17). Then we must remember to give God all the glory!

“Heavenly Father, thank you for always watching over us. When circumstances become overwhelming, help us not to panic nor become anxious. Instead, help us to look up, cast all our cares on you, and trust in you to help us overcome. Thank you that the battle belongs to you! In the mighty name of Jesus we pray. Amen.”