Ask the Help of the Lord
(2 Chronicles 20:1-4)
Today is Thanksgiving Sunday. In 1620, 102 Pilgrims journeyed to America, the New World, in search of religious freedom. Upon arriving, they immediately established a church. Although they faced severe hardships from the extreme cold and food shortages during their first winter, they were blessed with their first harvest a year later. With hearts full of gratitude, they held a Thanksgiving service to honor God. They also invited the Native Americans who had taught them essential farming skills, sharing a meal together that marked the first Thanksgiving celebration. This tradition of Thanksgiving, offered in the midst of despair and hardship, is shared by churches around the world.

1. Ask the help of the Lord
Around 852 BC, during the reign of Jehoshaphat, the fourth king of Judah, a coalition of the Moabites and Ammonites invaded Judah (2 Chronicles 20:1). As the massive enemy army approached, Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah trembled in fear. In that moment, however, King Jehoshaphat turned his eyes to the Lord. He proclaimed a fast throughout the nation and, together with the people, sought the Lord's help (2 Chronicles 20:3-4). Even when faced with overwhelming challenges and difficulties, if we turn to the Lord and cry out in prayer, God will answer us.

2. Keep your focus on the Lord alone.
When faced with an overwhelming enemy force, Jehoshaphat did not rely on human strength or wisdom. Instead, he sought God’s assistance, praying, 'Our eyes are on You alone' (2 Chronicles 20:12). In life, when we face trials, fall into hardship, or struggle with severe illness or suffering, we must turn our eyes to the Lord and seek His help from above. When we earnestly pray, focusing solely on Jesus, God will renew our strength and enable us to overcome all challenges.

3. Listen to the voice of the Lord.
As Jehoshaphat and all the people of Judah cried out before God, the Holy Spirit came upon Jahaziel, a Levite. Filled with the Spirit, Jahaziel shared the Lord’s message, reassuring them that the battle belonged to God and they had no reason to fear or be dismayed (2 Chronicles 20:15). Trusting in this word from the Lord, Jehoshaphat and the people went to the battlefield with songs of praise, and, with God’s help, they achieved a complete victory. In the same way, we earnestly desire to live a life of worship and gratitude in all things, experiencing the Lord’s work that grants us victory in every situation