What to Do First
Jehoshaphat found himself in a pickle. He was surrounded by his enemies and in 2 Chronicles 20:3, it says Jehoshaphat feared... Wait. God let them put that in the Bible? It wasn't condemned or stricken from the record? This leader-warrior was afraid, and it wasn't a sin. Interesting.
Maybe it's the next part of verse 3 that stands out even more. Yes, Jehoshaphat was told that the multitude of armies was heading his way. He understood what that meant and he understood that it was bigger than him. It was only fitting that he was afraid. He wasn't prideful. He didn't run! But he did take appropriate action.
Jehoshaphat was afraid, so he set himself to seek the Lord. He also proclaimed a fast throughout the land as they all turned to seek God and ask for help from the Lord. I wish I could say that my responses to troubling news are as spiritually responsible and healthy as Jehoshaphat's. But if I'm honest (and I'm usually honest!), that's not always my initial response. I usually freak totally out first. LOL.
I think we can turn this into a pattern for our battles. Jehoshaphat didn't pick up a natural weapon first. He ran to God first. What if we were to run to God as soon as we get the doctor's phone call, a troubling diagnosis, or that wound got bigger overnight instead of smaller? I mean, I do eventually run to God. But it's usually after I've exhausted my natural resources and gotten mad because there was no noticeable change.
But what if at that first inkling of fear (which was left in this passage uncondemned!), we turned ourselves to seek God? I won't push it so far as to call a fast, I mean that would be ridiculous...or would it?
My guess is that most Christian caregivers are really good at running to God with their cares and struggles, which are non-stop, daily situations. Yesterday, we talked about finding that Do not fear button, right? But it's not always that simple, and it's definitely not a solution to the problem. But if we package our fears up and take them to Him as soon as we feel it - it will make a difference. We can trust that He gets us. He feels us. His peace is still with us. The presence of a storm doesn't mean the absence of God or His peace. He's got us covered.
Today, I will remind myself that God is with me no matter what today brings. No matter what gets tossed onto my plate, even if it brings an element of fear with it - I can trust that God's got my back and He won't run out on me even when I perceive danger. Fear doesn't exclude God from working on my behalf. Instead, I'll let my fears drive me right back to Him, where I will rest and trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?
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Affirmations for Caregivers
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