Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

How can we apply "our eyes are upon You" in daily decision-making? 2 Chronicles 20:12

Applying "our eyes are upon You" (2 Chronicles 20:12) to daily decisions means consciously shifting focus from problems to God's sovereignty. This involves admitting helplessness, seeking His guidance through prayer, aligning choices with Scripture, and trusting Him for the outcome, rather than relying solely on personal strength. 

How to apply this principle in daily life:

Pause and Acknowledge Dependence: When facing a challenging decision or overwhelming circumstances, stop and consciously recognise your need for God's guidance, admitting that you "do not know what to do" on your own.

Shift Focus from Problem to Promise: Instead of focusing on the severity of a situation (the "great multitude"), focus on God's power, character, and past faithfulness.

Seek Wisdom through Scripture: Actively consult the Bible for principles that apply to your situation, ensuring decisions align with God's word.

Prioritise Prayer and Fasting: Treat decision-making as a spiritual, rather than just a practical, exercise by lifting your needs to God, as Jehoshaphat did.

Applying the sentiment of 2 Chronicles 20:12—"We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You"—is about moving from self-reliance to divine orientation. It's a practical framework for moments when you feel overwhelmed or uncertain.

The Pause of Admission: Jehoshaphat's prayer begins with an honest admission of limitation. Before deciding, stop and verbally acknowledge, "I don't have the full picture here." This humbles the ego and creates space for wisdom.

Vertical Focus over Horizontal Fear: Instead of looking "horizontally" at the size of the problem or the opinions of others, look "vertically." Ask, "Which path aligns with my core values and spiritual integrity?" rather than "Which path is the easiest?"

The "Wait for Peace" Rule: In the story, the answer didn't come instantly; they had to stand still. In daily life, if a decision feels frantic or driven by panic, your eyes are likely on the "army" (the problem). Wait until you find a sense of internal stillness before acting.

Active Expectancy: Keeping your eyes on someone implies you are waiting for a signal. Approach your day expecting a "nudge"—a timely piece of advice, a closed door, or a sudden moment of clarity—and be ready to pivot when it arrives. 

Proceed in Faith and Obedience: Make decisions based on trust in God's guidance, moving forward with confidence even if the full outcome is not immediately clear.

Maintain a Posture of Praise: Thank God for His guidance and control, regardless of the immediate circumstances, acknowledging that the "battle is the Lord's". 

2 Chronicles 20:12 ESV. "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."

When we turn our eyes to God, we will hear Him say, "Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's."

Keeping our eyes on the Lord positions every decision.

Large or small—under His wise, loving authority. 

By focusing attention, confessing need, listening to Scripture, and acting in obedience, we echo Judah's cry and experience the same faithful guidance today.

An example: Paul's words to the Corinthians are most comforting and illustrate how we should look upon the matter: 
2 Cor 4:18 "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."

This verse helps us to understand what was being said in 2 Chronicles 20:12 -"Jehoshaphat's Prayer" -Jehoshaphat could not see God, but as Paul highlights, he kept his eyes on the things above, the lesson so should we in times of distress.

4 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Donna Williams Supporter

Dear Anonymous, as believers in Jesus Christ, we can follow the example of King Jehoshaphat, by looking to Him, and coming to Him, in a spirit of humility, and reverence. By asking for help when we do not know what to do. 

We can apply the instructions in Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

I believe the Father is pleased when we come to Him, and acknowledge that we need His help!

There are many lessons that we can learn from this story, but the most important one is to humble ourselves before God, and He will surely answer our prayers!

And, when He does our response should be thank you, as an expression of our gratitude for His goodness, mercy, and grace that He has shown towards us all! 

We truly see the power of God on display in this story of King Jeshoshaphat, and the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. We serve the true and living God, who is mighty in battle!

3 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report