Day 21: Peace and Rest
“And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.” (v. 30)
Peace and rest on every side. In a world full of confusion and uncertainty and our own personal struggles and weaknesses, doesn’t that sound wonderful?
As we close our topical study based upon 2 Chronicles 20:1-30, I’d like to share the ending to the epic battle Jehoshaphat was anticipating.
A beautiful piece to the story was that the enemy attack never happened. Jehoshaphat did what was right in the eyes of the Lord to prepare, but his praise prompted God to ambush and defeat the enemies another way. The army returned joyfully to Jerusalem, with a load of plunder, hearts filled with peace, and praise upon their lips.
Peace and rest are ours in Christ, too. Let’s choose to shape our lives around seeking the Lord, standing firm, crushing fear, believing God, and cultivating a heart of worship, just like Jehoshaphat.
The Lord will fight for us. He is a good shepherd who will not leave even one of his sheep behind. He provides for us, protects us, guides us, comforts us, and pours out goodness and love upon us, his sons and daughters.
Since initially reading this story of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles, my circumstances haven’t changed…but I have, bit by bit. I have a long way to go on my journey with God, but perhaps sanctification, not better circumstances, is the point, after all.
He is my peace and rest. I hope he is yours, too.
Scripture reading: Matthew 11:28-30; Psalm 23
Today’s encouragement: Take slow, deep breaths for 5 minutes, mediating on the goodness of God. One by one, consider the facets of his character (e.g. Creator, Sustainer, Friend, Savior, Shepherd, King, etc.) and thank him.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for fighting my battles and bringing me rest in troubled times. Yours is a peace that passes all understanding. I will praise you all of my days.