Need Rest Round About You?

O . T. #966  "Need Rest Round About You?"
April 24, 2017
2 Chronicles 20-Part 3
And he walked in the way of Asa his father, and departed not from it, doing that which was right in the sight of the LORD. 2 Chronicles 20:32

LET IT GLOW

The two verses which stand out in this chapter are around the battle in which Judah joined Israel against those 3 "ite" groups-verse 15b says, ...for the battle is not yours, but God's  and verse 21 says Praise the LORD; for His mercy endureth forever.

We left the army of Judah marching into Jerusalem carrying the spoils of the battle, in which they did not have to fight, for God caused their enemies to turn on each other and demolished all of themselves.
So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about.

Now who couldn't use some "rest round about you?" I sure could. There have some turmoil issues surrounding me, one after another attack I coming. I feel like a pioneer traveling in a wagon train that is surrounded by Indians, as in the westerns. Well, the only difference is my battles are the Lord's, not mine to worry about, for I will praise Him though it because His mercy endures forever. Do I hear an amen? (I have to keep reminding myself of it today.)

LET IT GROW

Okay, do you recall those 3 unwise decisions which King Jehoshaphat made?
He allowed his son to marry King Ahab's daughter of Israel (family worshiped the idol Baal) and he joined Ahab in fighting Israel's enemies. The third mistake he made was to ally himself with the very wicked King Ahaziah in an attempt to gain wealth. (Wiersbe)

Although this king did what was pleasing in the Lords sight, he did not remove all the pagan shrines in the land, so the people never fully committed themselves to follow the God of their ancestors.

Together Joe and Ahaziah built a fleet of trading ships. Eliezer prophesied against Jehoshaphat:
Because you have allied yourself with King Ahaziah, the Lord will destroy your work. (verse 37b) So the ships met with disaster and never put out to sea.

God wrecked the ships and put the whole enterprise to an end? Yep, the king lacked discernment and let himself get involved in another alliance which was helping the enemy and brought disgrace upon the name of the Lord. Why did he not learn from his previous alliance?
Do we know people like that? They seem to make the same mistakes over and over again, lacking discernment. Maybe we are included there.

Do we pray about situations? Is it the best solution to my problems? Is this partnership the best idea, with our goals being the same? Are we both believers? Those are a few things to consider before making a partnership.

LET IT GO

Instead of striking back, ask God to take your case, bring justice, and restore your reputation. (Unknown source)

But I have spared you for a purpose-to show you My power and to spread My fame throughout the earth. (Exodus 9:16 NT)

James tells us to ask God for wisdom.