LOOKING TO THE LORD FOR HELP

Looking to God for Help
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:12
"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 20:12
When the Battle Is Bigger Than You
Over the past several weeks we've looked at what it means to be a nation blessed by God and the responsibility believers have to influence our country for Christ. As I prayed about this week's message, I didn't originally intend to continue with that theme, but as I watched the headlines and looked around at our world, I couldn't escape one simple truth—people are looking for hope.
Everywhere we turn we hear about crime, conflict, financial uncertainty, political division, and broken families. If we're not careful, we'll begin to believe that discouragement is normal. Yet God's people have never been called to live defeated lives. We have been called to keep our eyes on Him.
The situation we're facing today isn't new. God's people have faced impossible circumstances throughout history. One of the greatest examples is found in 2 Chronicles 20.
King Jehoshaphat was surrounded by enemy armies. Humanly speaking, defeat seemed certain. But instead of trusting military strength or political strategy, he turned to the Lord and prayed one of the most honest prayers found in Scripture:
"Neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee."
That is still one of the greatest prayers a believer can pray.

I. They Faced Problems Bigger Than They Could Handle
The armies of Moab, Ammon, and others united against Judah. Jehoshaphat looked at the situation and admitted something many of us struggle to admit:
"We have no might... neither know we what to do."
Sometimes our greatest act of faith is simply admitting we don't have the answers.
Whether it's sickness, financial struggles, broken relationships, family problems, or spiritual battles, every believer eventually reaches a place where they must confess, "Lord, I can't fix this."
Too often our prayers become instructions for God instead of surrender to God. We tell Him how we think He should solve the problem instead of asking Him what He wants to do.
God is waiting for hearts that admit their need for Him.

II. They Sought God in a Spiritual Way
Instead of panicking, Jehoshaphat proclaimed a national fast. The people gathered together—not to complain, but to seek the Lord.
Real spiritual victories are never won through empty religious routines.
It's easy to celebrate God on patriotic holidays or during special services, but the Lord desires a daily relationship with His people. If we truly want God to move in our homes, our churches, and our nation, we must seek Him sincerely.
God responds to hearts that earnestly pursue Him.

III. They Worshiped While God Fought
One of the most remarkable parts of this story is that God instructed the singers to go before the army.
As the people praised...
God fought.
They didn't win because of superior weapons.
They won because they trusted and obeyed the Lord.
The same principle is found throughout Scripture.
Paul and Silas sang in prison, and God opened the doors.
Peter sat in prison while believers prayed, and God sent an angel to deliver him.
Praise doesn't ignore the problem—it acknowledges that God is greater than the problem.
Our worship shifts our focus from the battle to the One who controls the battle.

IV. The Battle Belonged to the Lord
One of the greatest promises in this chapter is found in verse 15:
"...Be not afraid nor dismayed... for the battle is not yours, but God's."
What a wonderful reminder.
We spend so much of our lives trying to fight battles that belong to God.
We try to repair broken relationships.
We try to control uncertain futures.
We try to carry burdens we were never meant to carry.
The Lord simply says, "Bring them to Me."
Like the old hymn reminds us:
"Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer."
When we surrender the battle to Him, we discover He has been more than capable all along.

V. Their Victory Became Their Testimony
After the victory, the people returned to Jerusalem rejoicing.
No one could brag about military strength.
No one could boast about clever strategy.
Everyone knew exactly who had won the battle.
God received the glory.
That's how God works.
When He brings us through impossible situations, our testimony becomes an opportunity to point others to Him.

Final Thoughts
Perhaps you're facing something today that feels bigger than you.
Maybe it's your family.
Your finances.
Your health.
Your future.
Or maybe you're simply overwhelmed by everything happening in our world.
Take encouragement from Jehoshaphat's prayer.
When you don't know what to do...
Keep your eyes on God.
When the burden is too heavy...
Keep worshiping.
When the battle seems impossible...
Remember whose battle it really is.
God is still good.
God is still faithful.
God is still fighting for His people.
Challenge
This week, instead of focusing on everything that's wrong, choose to worship.
Instead of worrying, begin praising.
Instead of trying to fight every battle in your own strength, place your eyes upon the Lord.
You may discover what Judah learned long ago:
When God's people worship, God goes to work.