What actions can we take to ensure God's protection like in 2 Chronicles 17:10? Verse for Reflection 2 Chronicles 17:10: “And the terror of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat.” Actions That Invite God’s Protection • Live in wholehearted devotion – “The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the earlier ways of his father David… He sought the God of his father and walked in His commandments” (2 Chronicles 17:3-4). – Wholehearted loyalty positions us under the shelter promised in Psalm 91:1-2; Proverbs 19:23. • Purge every rival to God – Jehoshaphat “did not seek the Baals” (2 Chronicles 17:3) and “removed the high places and Asherah poles from Judah” (v.6). – Turning from known sin aligns with Psalm 34:7—“The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him.” • Saturate life and community with Scripture – The king sent officials and Levites who “taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). – When Scripture governs our thinking, God’s promises in Psalm 119:114 (“You are my hiding place and my shield”) become daily experience. • Cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord – The surrounding nations were struck with “terror of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 17:10). – Proverbs 14:26: “In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have refuge.” • Depend on God through prayer and fasting – Jehoshaphat later cried, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You” (2 Chronicles 20:12). – Philippians 4:6-7 promises guarding peace to those who pray instead of panic. • Refuse compromising alliances – When Jehoshaphat aligned with wicked Ahab, the prophet rebuked him: “Should you help the wicked…? Therefore the wrath of the LORD is upon you” (2 Chronicles 19:2). – 2 Corinthians 6:14 warns against unequal yoking; separating from sin-infested partnerships preserves protection. • Administer justice and righteousness – Appointing judges, Jehoshaphat charged, “Now let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do” (2 Chronicles 19:7). – Isaiah 32:17 links righteousness with lasting security: “The work of righteousness will be peace.” • Walk in humility and thanksgiving – After victory, Judah returned “joyfully” because “the LORD had given them cause to rejoice” (2 Chronicles 20:27). – James 4:6: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Grace is the atmosphere of divine defense. Putting It All Together Persistent obedience, Scripture-saturated living, humble dependence, and uncompromised holiness draw the same protective “terror of the LORD” that shielded Jehoshaphat’s kingdom. Pursue these practices, and trust the God who never fails His Word. |
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