Anyway, a few weeks ago I heard two different messages in a row that both talked about that very same passage. I got curious and started snooping around in 2 Chronicles, just wondering what other cool stories might be in that Old Testament book. I was blessed to find 3 different ones that all had this amazing pattern. Now mind you, I am NO Bible scholar. There are probably other similar stories that I missed, and other meanings that never struck me, but here is what blessed me so much about these 3....
a battle, a cry for help, victory, then rest
so a quick review of these stories...
2 Chronicles 14:7....King Asa had obediently removed high places of other gods and chosen to follow after the Lord. He says in verse 7, "Because we have sought the Lord our God; we sought him and he has given us rest on every side." Later in verse 11 he reminds the Lord in prayer, "There is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on you and in your name we have come against a vast army. O Lord, you are our God, do not let man prevail against You." Sure enough the Lord struck down the enemy and gave them the victory! 2 Chronicles 32 shows King Hezekiah also under attack. His response was to cry out for help, and the Lord sent an angel who annihilated the fighting men. The Lord saved Hezekiah and his people and verse 22 says, "He took care of them on every side".
Finally, the story of Jehoshaphat, my personal fav! After he cries out to the Lord for help, the Lord Himself sets ambushes against the enemy, while they are worshipping Him! And the chapter ends with this, "King J's kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side!"
What an amazing pattern....so like our lives, huh?
The truth is, we all know what it's like to be in a battle, whether it's the daily battles of unmanageable schedules, traffic jams, not enough money, arguing kids, barking dogs, health concerns, family problems, difficult decisons, weather concerns... or maybe, most likely, the battle for each of us at times has been much deeper and much more painful.
I am sure there are many in a fierce battle this very day.
Some are exhausted from a battle that has continued for so long they can't imagine having the strength to face another day of it.
Clinging weakly to a promise and asking for the fresh hope to wait patiently for the victory.
Who doesn't know what it's like to face a situation with no earthly idea what to do, except to humbly cry out to the One who does. I've heard it said, you are either coming out of a trial/battle, or in one right now, or heading into one soon. It is the real life we live here on planet Earth, and God in His grace and wisdom allows these times to strengthen our faith in Him. How else do we learn that He will answer us? How do we understand Him as our Healer, our Peace, our Victor? And I love that His Word is clear that our cries are dear to God's heart. He tells us when we cry out, He WILL answer. He keeps our every prayer in bowls it says in Revelation. Every word spoken, every heart cry, every tear...stored up and held precious.
Finally, the victory and the rest. Yes, sometimes the victory comes because we have finally given up something we have held too close, or because we choose to obey something God already asked of us.
But, the rest, when it comes, is sweet. The "knowing" that God showed up, carried you through, comforted your hurting heart, brought good, allowed growth, and now has given you rest. I love that God is in every detail concerning our hearts, so it's not just rest, but it says "rest on every side". As though He is saying, "Everything covered here, no detail missed...you can lay down now and rest my child, the battle has been won. My purposes fulfilled. Your prayers answered. Rest."
My prayer for those in a battle today...God is in control. The battle will not rage one day longer than He allows. He is a trustworthy God, faithful to the end, fighting on your behalf, working all things together for His intended good. There will be victory...even when that looks different than we thought it might... our God is a God of victory! He has never lost a battle! Jehovah Nissi. So hold fast and do not give up. Keep your eyes on things above in this battle, your God will have His way!
And after the victory, then He will give you rest. His beautiful rest...on every side!