In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley
May 8, 2008 - Your Hope Journal - 2 Chronicles 20:5-12 Welcome to the In Touch Devotional.
Yesterday, we saw what King (dzhee-HAHSH-uh-fat) Jehoshaphat did in a seemingly hopeless situation. Today, let's extract another principle from that story as we learn how to handle helplessness.
In verses 5-12, Jehoshaphat is still focused on the Lord, which should also be our first response to fear. Yet notice what he does in this prayer. He is not looking forward, stating his fears of what might happen. Instead, he is remembering the past, recounting the times in Israel's history when God brought them through similar "helpless" situations.
How often has the Lord done a mighty work on your behalf when all seemed lost? He is actively involved in our lives today. Sadly, we frequently thank Him in the moment but then forget what He's done for us. Later, when we are fearful again, it's hard to remember how He has already proven Himself in our lives. This is why every believer should keep a journal, a written record of the Lord's faithfulness. During times of helplessness, we want encouragement not just about how God has worked in history or in the world, but about how He's worked in our own lives.
It may take some time to establish the discipline of journaling, but the rewards are tremendous. You may say, "Well, I don't have time for that." Friend, you need to make the time. When you record blessings, you begin to view God's work from a new perspective. You'll start to see how He's weaving the individual "threads" of your life to create a beautiful tapestry for His glory.
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