What Do You Seek When Fear Shows Up?

It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle. Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazontamar, which is Engedi. And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. (2 Chronicles 20:1-3)

This was not a simple battle or fight. The opposition against God's people was complex. Moab, Ammon, and “others besides” formed a layered threat. Jehoshaphat also pointed out that they were not far away; they were in Engedi. The pressure was intense. It seemed as if their entire city was doomed.

When pressure mounts and threats feel close to home, what is your first instinct to respond?

Many people call their friends to boost morale and encourage them. Others consult their parents for advice. Some even search online for information on how to handle the situation.

But Jehoshaphat showed what believers need to do. When fear appears, the first step is to go to the Lord. Now Jehoshaphat didn’t pray quietly or briefly. Scripture says that he “set himself to seek the Lord…” That means he adjusted his posture. He made being with God and hearing from Him a priority, refusing to be distracted by anything else. What you seek first determines the result of your battle.

After this, Jehoshaphat called for a fast. A fast isn't just a time to eat less; that's a diet. Instead, a fast is a time when you set aside the time you would be eating, put your flesh aside, and dedicate that time to prayer. Spending extra time with God means victory will come sooner than it otherwise would.

Practical Application

If you encounter a stressful, pressure-filled situation, consider fasting a meal and dedicating that time to prayer. You might also fast from TV or other activities to create more time for prayer. Remember, fasting is about focus, not punishment. 

1 Samuel 7:6; Jeremiah 36:9