Text: 2 Chronicles 18:28-34
Memory verse:
“The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him.”
(Nahum 1:7).
The boat is naturally driven to the shore by the tough waves of the sea; the foxes flee to the holes when in threat; and the birds fly to the woods for shelter. Thus, the believers should naturally flee to God in the time of trouble. Challenging times should naturally drive us to God for help and safety. The mercy seat at the throne of God should be our target. It is the throne of grace, where we can obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of need.
“God is good, a hiding place in tough times. He recognizes and welcomes anyone looking for help,”(The Message Bible)
In our text today, Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah went out to Ramoth Gilead with the wicked king of Israel to fight against the Syrians, an alliance that God didn’t approve. The Syrian army had thought he was the king of Israel and had surrounded him to strike when he cried. He escaped death by the eye of a needle when he cried to God for help. “So it was, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, “It is the king of Israel!” Therefore they surrounded him to attack; but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him, and God diverted them from him.”
(II Chronicles 18:31).
Likewise, Peter having turned his eyes from the Lord and to consider the boisterous wind, he began to sink. So he cried out to the Lord for help and the Lord helped him (Matthew 14:30-31). Even though, Peter had neglected prayer at the beginning of his venturous journey, yet when he began to sink, he chose to pray. Like king Jehoshaphat, although his prayer seemed to be too late but it was not too late for God. He is the present help, on-time help, on-scheduled help, in trouble.
The invisible hand that controls the wind suddenly turned the eyes of the Syrian army from Jehoshaphat when he cried out for help in trouble. The hand that upholds the earth instantly pulled out Peter when he cried out in trouble. The heavenly lifeguard pulled him out to safety.
Friends, rather than engaging in self help, run to God for help through prayer. Short prayers like Jehoshaphat and Peter’s prayers are long enough before God in the time of trouble.
Prayer points
1. Father, please, help me to always remember to run to You as my stronghold and in the time of trouble in Jesus name.
2. Father, please, hear me speedily when I cry to you in the time of trouble in Jesus name.
Today’s declarations
1. My extremities are God’s opportunities, so I cry out to God for help in the time of trouble.
2. My short prayers in time of trouble are long enough and sufficient to God for my deliverance.
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