Where to Look When There's No Way Out

We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon thee. (2 Chronicles 20:12)

2 Chr. 20:1-15 and 32:7-8; Ps. 34:4-5; Mt. 8:24-27; Eph. 3·20; John 16:33

What Is God Saying?

Jehoshaphat was one of Judah's kings. During his reign of thirty-five years, he did what was right. He was a wise and successful ruler. He received riches. He was honored by neighboring nations. He grew steadily greater. He commanded a loyal army. He built fortresses and cities throughout the land. ‘His heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord,’ and he wanted justice for all, but the most frequent phrase that appeared concerning Jehoshaphat was that he sought the Lord.

That is why, when a considerable army came against Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat did what came most naturally to him: he sought the Lord. He knew where to look when there was no way out, and he offered a prayer, ‘We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon Thee.’

How Does This Apply To Us?

When we are afraid, face overwhelming odds, and feel there is no way out, we should follow Jehoshaphat's example. Let us be honest. Let us be open. Let us admit it. There are times when we don't know what to do, but there is a way out. In the time of crisis, the King fixed his eyes upon the Lord. He didn't let his attention wander. He didn't crumble under the circumstances. He trusted the Lord who was over the circumstances. Look to Him. Trust in Him. There is a way out. It is the way in. ‘The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe’ (Prov. 18:10). This is not being blind to difficulties that we will surely meet. It is being aware of the Lord in whom we are more than conquerors.

Pray With Me

Sometimes I find myself staggering before impossible problems. Sometimes my feet stumble along difficult paths. Sometimes, in weary disbelief, I stand before doors that will not open. Doubt has reproduced itself. Looking at my weaknesses, I have yielded to defeat.

Logic argues that the impossible is always impossible. The trend cannot be reversed. The habit cannot be broken. The hopeless cannot be revived. But when my prayer begins with perplexity, let it end with confidence and certainty, ‘our eyes are upon thee.’ Give me a living and trusting faith. Looking into the face of the impossible, I would see only the power and the glory of God.

With my eyes fixed upon Calvary, let me never doubt that you will do what I cannot do. In Christ, you have done the impossible. Infinite power has joined with endless mercy. I need never again feel overpowered.

In the name of Him who said, ‘Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.’ Amen.

Moving On In The Life of Prayer

The best way to begin or end any prayer is to repeat Jehoshaphat's prayer, I do not know what to do, but my eyes are upon thee. When there is no human way out, there is always a divine way through.