Getting from the Valley of Overwhelmed to the Valley of Blessing!
“King Jehoshaphat and his men went out to gather the plunder. They found vast amounts of equipment, clothing, and other valuables—more than they could carry. There was so much plunder that it took them three days just to collect it all! On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing, which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the LORD there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today.”
2 Chronicles 20: 25, 26 (NLT)
The story of Jehoshaphat illustrates so well how God restores faith when we feel overwhelmed. We can all relate to the fear, anxiety, and fatigue that this King felt when he faces overwhelming odds with no way out. His example offers us practical help with where to turn when you don’t know what to do. When he turned to God in prayer and cried out for help and guidance, God began to restore his faith and act on his behalf. Jehoshaphat was left with the same choice we have today. Will we believe God’s promises and stand in faith or shrink back in fear? King Jehoshaphat challenged the people of Judah: “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in His prophets, and you will succeed.” 2 Chronicles 20:20 (NLT)
The Bible tells us that faith comes by hearing the Word of God in Romans 10:17. In other words, the Word of God produces faith in the truth that the Word of God declares. The more I expose myself to God’s Word, the more God can restore my faith! As He restores my faith to believe His promises, I must now act in obedience upon those promises. Biblical faith is more than an attitude. It’s an attitude that leads me to action. As we saw yesterday, Biblical faith is standing on God’s promise when I don’t see the answer. Jehoshaphat didn’t know how God was going to bring the victory. He only did what he was told and left the how to God.
Biblical faith is standing in prayer when I feel anxious and fearful. It’s believing God despite my fears. That’s why faith is spelled RISK. That’s the adventure of faith!
Finally, Biblical faith is standing to praise before God answers. As Jehoshaphat led the singers to praise God when they marched into the battle, God honored their faith and acted on their behalf. They weren’t moaning and complaining; they were singing praises to God despite their circumstances, believing God to do what God said He would do, that He would be with them and fight for them! I wonder if Paul had this story in mind when he wrote: “If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31 (NIV) or if John did when he wrote: “… This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4 (NIV)
When you feel overwhelmed and God begins to restore your faith so that you can step out in faith, what kind of song are you singing? Stand up and sing praises to God before He answers. Praising Him after He answers is good, but that’s not faith; that’s gratitude. When we respond in the faith that God is restoring in our lives, He lifts us from The Valley of Overwhelmed to The Valley of Blessing! Every problem has a purpose! God never wastes a sorrow or trial in our lives. Hidden behind the problem Jehoshaphat was facing was a blessing in disguise! He couldn’t have seen it, but God did! I love the way God always writes the last chapter after He wins the victory. The Bible says, “King Jehoshaphat and his men went out to gather the plunder. They found vast amounts of equipment, clothing, and other valuables—more than they could carry. There was so much plunder that it took them three days just to collect it all! On the fourth day, they gathered in the Valley of Blessing, which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the LORD there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today.” 2 Chronicles 20: 25, 26 (NLT)
Are you in the Valley of Overwhelmed today? Turn to God in prayer. Let Him restore your faith and experience the victory as He leads you in His power and His way to the Valley of Blessing!
One practical way to step out in faith when you’re feeling overwhelmed is through the support of other Christ followers in a local church. If you are not already a part of a church family, I want to invite you to check out our Membership Class at Woodlands Church this Sunday, December 11th. This is a simple step of obedience that honors God and takes you to another level in your spiritual walk. It will connect you with fellow Christians on the same journey of faith bringing you out of the Valley of Overwhelmed and into the Valley of Blessing! Obedience always brings blessing. If you haven’t taken this step, you can register now and join us this weekend in person or online at Woodlands Church!
Another important part of your daily devotional is spending time with God in prayer. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board lists prayer requests submitted by our members and provides a way to send them some encouragement by using a button on the page to let them know that you prayed for them. Whether you use the Prayer Board, or pray from your heart, the goal is to build the habit of incorporating prayer into your quiet time.
Need prayer yourself? Let us know by submitting a prayer request on the Woodlands Church Prayer Board.