A proper response to fear

Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, "A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar" (which is En Gedi). And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. – 2 Chronicles 20v2-3

Jehospaphat’s alliance with Ahab did not have immediate effect, and his weakness does not mean that he did everything wrong. If we could only learn from perfect men we would never learn anything.

News came to Jehoshaphat that a great enemy was coming to confront them. They were close by and there was really no time to prepare a response.

So what was Jehoshaphat’s response? Did rush out headlong without considering? Did he take matters into his own hand?

No, he was afraid. So what did he do about his fear? Did he run and hide and go into despair? You might think that would be a normal response. It is certainly one that I can identify with. When bad news comes my first response is that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach that can almost make me ill. I can’t sleep. The fear takes control of my mind.

Jehoshaphat had the right response. He set himself to seek the Lord and he proclaimed a fast.

That’s not a half bad response to fear, is it? How much grief would we save ourselves if, instead of despair, we responded with seeking the Lord and fasting and prayer?

Despair comes when we rely on ourselves. That is always a big mistake.

Fear is natural. Our problem comes when we respond with self reliance instead of seeking the Lord.