Julie
In his fear, Jehosaphat turns to the Lord and prays for help in defeating the Ammonites and Moabites. In his prayer mentions God's promises to the Israelites and that it was agreed that they would trust him no matter what they are put through. They would continue to trust and pray. The Lord speaks to them and tells them, " Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's." God is asking them to stand firm in the midst of the battle and if they trust he will fight the battle for them. These words are comforting to me today in that I feel like I am in the middle of a battle that I don't know how to fight. I just need to have the strength and courage to stand my ground and trust that God will take care of everything. We need to also remember to, "Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever." There are multiple messages in Jehosaphat's prayer, but the outcome fits with what we are enduring today.
Another psalm asking for God's protection from the enemy and the evil that surrounds them. Asking to not be sent down the same path as those that have done evil, but to emerge victorious over those that will be punished for the evil-doing because they have been faithful and trusting in God.
Michelle
This passage was interesting in that Jehoshaphat follows God as his ancestors and tries to lead his people to the same. In the battle we are to put it to God and allow him to work for us and guide us while we are in it. Yet in the end, Jehoshaphat makes an alliance with a wicked king and God destroys what he has built. That phrase, his love endures forever, continues to show up throughout our readings. It seems a reminder as we continually are pulled away from God.
The psalm does seem to be asking for protection from enemies and their influence. It ends with taking refuge in the Lord, which is where we all need to be headed.
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