When You Don’t Know What to Do

And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, whom thou wouldest not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not; Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit.  O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. (2 Chronicles 20:10-12)

Jehopehath’s prayer began with a remembrance of their history with God. He reminded everyone, including God, that God had helped them before. This is important because faith often grows when we recall God’s faithfulness and our past obedience. Jehoshaphat was not asking God for help at random; he was asking God to stay faithful, as He always has been. The king did not pretend there was no problem. In fact, he addressed it directly, saying: “We have no might against this great company.” There was no denial here. Faith does not ignore facts; it simply refuses to be controlled or driven by them. Jehoshaphat pointed out the problem they faced without exaggerating it beyond what God had shown.

Then, he said something many believers find hard to admit: “Neither know we what to do.” This is genuine humility. When we pretend to have answers we don’t possess, we delay the help God wants to give us. But when we say, “Lord, I don’t know what to do here, but You do,” we are not disqualifying ourselves; we are making space for God to act. The turning point in his prayer then comes: “But our eyes are upon thee.” This is the first step of faith: looking to God and listening. Walking by faith doesn’t mean knowing exactly how God will do it—that’s not our concern. Our job is to understand what God says, accept it, believe it, speak it, and follow where He leads. When we praise, we say, “I don’t have answers, but I know You do.” This applies to every part of life where questions seem louder than answers—whether it’s finances, calling, family, health, or the future. 

Practical Application

When you are unsure of which direction to take during a difficult situation, let praise come from your mouth instead of complaints. Praise keeps your focus aligned with God’s will.

Psalm 25:15; Psalm 121:1