Our Cares are the Lord's Business

“The Lord says this to you: Be not afraid or dismayed at this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s. You shall not need to fight in this battle; take your positions, stand still, and see the deliverance of the Lord who is with you. Fear not nor be dismayed for the Lord is with you.”
II Chronicles 20: 15-17 (AMP)

What God tells Jehoshapht in these passages, and what He would remind us of today, is, “The battle is not ours; it’s Mine. We don’t have to fight in it. Let Me solve it.” Jehoshaphat faced a multitude of enemies. But instead of focusing on what he would do, he ‘set his eyes upon God.’  Jehoshaphat came to a place where he believed God at His word. He was able to enter into rest because of his trust and faith in God. God has done all the work through Christ.

These scriptures are a promise we can hold on to when going through difficult circumstances that seem out of control and overwhelming. Satan brings storms into our lives. Unless we have faith in God, anytime a storm comes into our lives we can lose our peace and begin to feel fear. Satan injects ‘what if’ thoughts into our minds and we might begin to think we will have the worst possible outcome. As soon as this happens, we should realize Satan is trying to keep us from experiencing God’s best. Even though we may feel fear, we need to focus on God. He has a battle plan and He gives us courage, peace, and victory!

When we have a deep understanding of God’s perfect, unconditional love for us, we realize He will perfect everything that concerns us (I John 4:18, Romans 5:8, Psalms 138:8). As children of God, our problems are His problems.  God has promised He is with us and He will make a way where it seems there is no way.

II Chronicles 20:13-17 is a mental attitude of quiet confidence that must become a lifestyle or conflicts, negative emotions or circumstances will control our lives. There is a reason God’s Word says, “Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.” I Peter 5:7. “Take My yoke upon you who labor and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (emotions).” Matthew 11:29.

One day a man called me so say how angry and disappointed he was about choices a group of people had made. He felt they were wrong. He was hurt and angry because they didn’t listen to him. I told him what to do when we don’t get our way. Let it go to the Lord! Repent for the anger, disappointment and judgment against the people and situation, release the negative thoughts and emotions and stop thinking he was right. God’s Word says, “For man’s anger does not promote the righteousness God wishes and requires.” James 1:20 (AMP). When someone is angry or hurt they don’t care what God says. A week later he called and said, “I let the situation go to the Lord, asked for forgiveness and stopped thinking I was right.” He wanted to let me know he was now at peace. My question to him was, “Why didn’t you do that in the first place? Negative reactions have a life of their own. Mental and emotion conflicts attract congestion. When we harbor negative mental and emotional conflicts, it produces a loss of energy and creates illnesses.

Obedience to God (I Peter 5:6-10)

1.  “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.”  (vs. 6). Being humble is not a religious thing; it is adapting to the idea that you don’t know everything and your way is not the best. There are no experts in life. To be exalted in life begins when we can lighten up on ourselves and others. The need to prove something grows weaker and weaker. The urge to be right or appear right is destructive. The beginning to being exalted is receiving and giving God’s unconditional love. In God’s great love, we do not think about being exalted, we just are.

2.  “Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (vs. 7). Practice letting go of ALL cares to the Lord. Without revelation, people are loyal to their needs and it is a block to God’s provision. God is dedicated to meeting our needs; it is His business.  God’s peace is our business to receive with thanksgiving. The battle in Yours, Lord! I will see Your salvation in this situation. God comes forth now!

3.     “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”  (vs. 8). When we practice verse 7, we are able to live in victory. We see how the defeated devil attempts to roar like a lion in our lives to rob, steal and kill in our lives (I Peter 5:8). If he can put negative thoughts in our mind, they will affect our emotions. Without understanding and practicing verse 7, we have no power to live in verse 8.

4.     “Resist him…” (vs. 9). Say NO to the lack-fear-hurt-anger voice and say YES to God’s Word. Do not take the first thought. The defeated devil becomes another springboard into faith. Learn to live in our God-given authority and we will have power in life (Luke 10:19).

5.     “But may the God of all grace, who called us to eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” (vs. 10). The God of all grace calls us to our proper position; beware we contain His glory. Say, “Let the glory roar!” Glory is awareness that produces amazing results. Glory is not something we receive from God, it is already in us waiting to be activated by our word of faith. Develop His glory in your awareness. Lord, You are my helper. You have turned my regrets into dancing and You have girded me with gladness that I may my glory (results) may sing praise to You and not be silent. I will give thanks to You forever! Amen.

Pastor Jimm