VICTORY IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD!

Most people in the world today are facing some type of problem or challenge in their life. Especially when we consider the economic situation here in the U.S. and other parts of the world. But what really amazes me is the number of people[especially christians] who are looking for answers, strength and victory over their challenges they’re facing and yet they quit going to church where the presence of the LORD is! Whatever the problem or circumstance you may be facing in your life today, I believe the answer or solution to your situation is found in the presence of the LORD! I believe this truth is readily seen and demonstrated in the life of Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah. See 2 Chronicles chapter 20. King Jehoshaphat was faced with a great attack by his enemies. His enemies greatly out-numbered him. Jehoshaphat didn’t know how to handle the situation, but he knew enough to gather God’s people together and get into the presence of the LORD! In other words, he had enough sense to get to church! In fact, the word of God tells us not to forsake the assembling(gathering) of ourselves together, as the manner of some. See Hebrews 10:25. Have you ever been in a situation where you didn’t know what to do? Perhaps you are in that place now! Let us all learn and never forget this valuable lesson. That is, there is “Victory in the presence of the LORD!” In other words, in the presence of the LORD is your answer!

In 2 Chronicles 20:3, the bible tells us that Jehoshaphat became fearful because of the pending attack by his enemies and because of the size of his problem. We all face fear at some point in our life. We must overcome fear to have success in life! I like what Jehoshaphat did next. He set himself to seek the LORD! Jehoshaphat didn’t quit going to church! He didn’t start murmuring and complaining, but he set himself to seek the LORD. His attitude was not that he would go to church once or twice to see if something would happen. His attitude was that he would go to church,get into the presence of the LORD and stay there(in spirit) until he got the victory! I know he had this attitude because the word of God says “He set himself….” That word ‘set’ implies determination(Jehoshaphat even proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah!). It means to be deliberate in purpose. It means to fix firmly and to make stable. Don’t allow fear and its distractions cause you to become “wishy-whashy” [unstable, flakey and unfaithful] in your walk with God.

Not only did Jehoshaphat “set himself to seek the LORD,” he also used his influence and authority to gather others together in the presence of the LORD to seek God for help. We should always share our faith with others and use our influence to lead others to God and His salvation in Jesus Christ; we should always use our influence and authority to encourage others to get into the presence of the LORD[get to church!]. Look at what Jehoshaphat said to the LORD before all the people of Judah whom he had gathered together to seek the LORD in 2 Chronicles 20:9 – “If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgement, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, AND IN THY PRESENCE, (for thy name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help.”  Jehoshaphat said no matter what situation or circumstance they found themselves in; whether it was the sword[war], judgement, or pestilence[sickness & disease], or famine[lack or economic depression], they would stand together before the LORD in the house of the LORD and in His Presence! We are living in a day and time when we definitely must stand together as a local church and the Body of Christ in the presence of the LORD to emerge victoriously!

Jehoshaphat boldly proclaimed his faith in God by saying he knew God would hear and help! He expected help from God and so should we. While they were gathered together, The spirit of God came on one of the men in attendance who began to prophesy the answer to their situation. God gave Jehoshaphat and his people divine instructions that resulted in victory over their enemies! So lets follow Jehoshaphats example: (1)He did not allow fear to keep him from seeking God. (2) He set himself to seek the Lord. (3) He used his influence to gather himself and others together in the house of the LORD. (4)He prayed to the LORD for help. Why? Because in the presence of the LORD is VICTORY!