Turning Our Eyes to Jesus in Fear
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we gather to reflect on the power of turning our eyes to Jesus, especially in times of fear and uncertainty. We begin by acknowledging that all of us have struggles, anxieties, and fears. Sometimes, we might feel that our problems are too big or that God is too busy to handle them. But I urge you to bring those burdens to Him. God sometimes allows us to reach a point of helplessness so that we will turn to Him in prayer. When we focus on Jesus, the things of this earth grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.
We are reminded of the story of an 18-wheeler hanging off the George Roger Clark Memorial Bridge. The fireman’s advice to the driver was simple: "Don't look down." This is a powerful metaphor for our lives. Instead of focusing on our circumstances, we should look to our Savior. This morning, I want to encourage you to turn your eyes upon Jesus and trust in His ability to rescue and redeem us.
In 2 Chronicles 20, we read about King Jehoshaphat facing a dire situation. A great multitude from Moab, Ammon, and Mount Seir was coming against him. Jehoshaphat was afraid, but he set himself to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. The people of Judah gathered to seek help from the Lord. Jehoshaphat’s prayer is a model for us. He begins by praising God, acknowledging His power and past faithfulness. He admits their powerlessness and declares, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you."
God responds through the prophet Jehaziel, assuring them that the battle is not theirs but God's. They are instructed to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. This teaches us that while we may face overwhelming odds, we must trust that God is fighting our battles. The Lord’s message is clear: "Do not be afraid or dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's."
Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah responded with worship and praise. They appointed singers to praise the Lord, and as they began to sing, the Lord set ambushes against their enemies, leading to their defeat. This story illustrates that our strength comes from the Lord, not from our own abilities. When we face battles, we must remember that God is with us, and He is mighty to save.
In our lives, we often try to handle things on our own, but we must learn to turn to God first. He is our present help in times of need. We should not be anxious about the future but trust in God's faithfulness. As Jehoshaphat looked to the past and remembered God's faithfulness, it gave him confidence in the present. We too should remember how God has helped us before and trust that He will help us again.
In conclusion, let us turn our eyes to Jesus, acknowledge our fears, and trust in His power to save. God is able, and He cares for us deeply. Let us stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.
### Key Takeaways
1. Bring Your Burdens to God: We often hesitate to bring our struggles and fears to God, thinking they are too big or that He is too busy. However, God invites us to bring everything to Him. He sometimes allows us to reach a point of helplessness so that we will turn to Him in prayer. When we focus on Jesus, our earthly troubles diminish in the light of His glory and grace. [01:23:05]
2. Look to the Savior, Not the Circumstances: Just as the fireman advised the driver hanging off the bridge to "not look down," we should not focus on our dire circumstances but on our Savior. By looking to Jesus, we find the strength and hope to overcome our challenges. This shift in focus can transform our lives and bring us peace. [51:08]
3. Seek the Lord in Times of Fear: When faced with overwhelming odds, King Jehoshaphat set himself to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast. He gathered the people to seek help from God. This teaches us the importance of turning to God in prayer and seeking His guidance when we are afraid. [46:09]
4. Trust in God's Battle: God assured Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah that the battle was not theirs but His. They were instructed to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. This reminds us that while we may face battles, we must trust that God is fighting for us. Our role is to stand firm in faith and watch God work. [01:16:02]
5. Remember God's Faithfulness: Jehoshaphat looked to the past and remembered how God had helped them before, which gave him confidence in the present. We too should remember God's past faithfulness in our lives. This will strengthen our faith and help us trust that He will help us again. [01:07:59]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[45:25] - Introduction and Scripture Reading
[46:09] - Jehoshaphat's Fear and Seeking the Lord
[51:08] - Look to the Savior, Not the Circumstances
[56:11] - The Dire Situation and Jehoshaphat's Response
[01:02:30] - Jehoshaphat's Prayer and God's Assurance
[01:07:59] - Remembering God's Faithfulness
[01:16:02] - Trust in God's Battle
[01:23:05] - Bring Your Burdens to God
[01:25:08] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- 2 Chronicles 20:1-12
#### Observation Questions
1. What was King Jehoshaphat's initial reaction when he heard about the great multitude coming against him? ([46:09])
2. How did Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah respond to the threat they faced? ([46:48])
3. What specific instructions did God give to Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah through the prophet Jehaziel? ([01:16:02])
4. What was the outcome when Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah followed God's instructions? ([01:21:14])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jehoshaphat chose to seek the Lord and proclaim a fast instead of immediately preparing for battle? ([46:48])
2. How does Jehoshaphat's prayer in 2 Chronicles 20:6-12 reflect his understanding of God's power and past faithfulness? ([47:20])
3. What does the fireman's advice to the driver hanging off the bridge ("Don't look down") symbolize in the context of our spiritual lives? ([51:08])
4. How does remembering God's past faithfulness help us trust Him in our current struggles? ([01:07:59])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by a situation. Did you turn to God first, or did you try to handle it on your own? How might turning to God have changed your experience? ([46:09])
2. In what ways can you shift your focus from your circumstances to Jesus in your daily life? Are there specific practices or habits you can adopt to help with this? ([51:08])
3. Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast and gathered the people to seek the Lord. How can you incorporate communal prayer and fasting into your response to fear and uncertainty? ([46:48])
4. God assured Jehoshaphat that the battle was not his but God's. How can you remind yourself to trust that God is fighting your battles? Are there specific scriptures or prayers that help you remember this truth? ([01:16:02])
5. Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did you respond? Did you remember God's past faithfulness in your life? How can recalling God's past help give you confidence in the present? ([01:07:59])
6. The sermon mentioned that we often hesitate to bring our struggles to God, thinking they are too big or that He is too busy. What are some practical steps you can take to bring all your burdens to God, no matter how big or small? ([01:23:05])
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to turn their eyes upon Jesus and trust in His power to save? Share a personal testimony or scripture that has helped you in times of fear and uncertainty. ([01:24:20])
Devotional
Day 1: Bring Your Burdens to God
We often hesitate to bring our struggles and fears to God, thinking they are too big or that He is too busy. However, God invites us to bring everything to Him. He sometimes allows us to reach a point of helplessness so that we will turn to Him in prayer. When we focus on Jesus, our earthly troubles diminish in the light of His glory and grace. This is a reminder that God is always ready to listen and help, no matter how overwhelming our problems may seem. By turning to Him, we can find peace and relief from our burdens.
In moments of fear and uncertainty, it is crucial to remember that God is not distant or indifferent to our struggles. He cares deeply for us and wants us to rely on Him. When we bring our burdens to God, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and open ourselves to His divine intervention. This act of faith can transform our perspective, allowing us to see our challenges in the context of God's greater plan and power. [01:23:05]
Psalm 55:22 (ESV): "Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved."
Reflection: What is one burden you are carrying today that you can bring to God in prayer? How can you make a habit of turning to Him first in times of trouble?
Day 2: Look to the Savior, Not the Circumstances
Just as the fireman advised the driver hanging off the bridge to "not look down," we should not focus on our dire circumstances but on our Savior. By looking to Jesus, we find the strength and hope to overcome our challenges. This shift in focus can transform our lives and bring us peace. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, we are reminded of His power and love, which are far greater than any problem we face.
In our daily lives, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the difficulties and uncertainties we encounter. However, by redirecting our focus from our problems to Jesus, we can experience a profound sense of peace and assurance. Jesus is our constant source of strength and hope, and by keeping our eyes on Him, we can navigate even the most challenging situations with confidence and faith. [51:08]
Hebrews 12:2 (ESV): "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What is one specific situation in your life where you need to shift your focus from the problem to Jesus? How can you practically make this shift today?
Day 3: Seek the Lord in Times of Fear
When faced with overwhelming odds, King Jehoshaphat set himself to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast. He gathered the people to seek help from God. This teaches us the importance of turning to God in prayer and seeking His guidance when we are afraid. In times of fear, our natural inclination may be to rely on our own strength or to seek solutions from the world. However, true peace and direction come from seeking the Lord.
Jehoshaphat's example shows us that seeking God should be our first response, not our last resort. By turning to God in prayer and fasting, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and invite His divine intervention. This act of faith not only brings us closer to God but also aligns our hearts with His will, allowing us to experience His peace and guidance in the midst of fear. [46:09]
2 Chronicles 20:3-4 (ESV): "Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord."
Reflection: When you are afraid, what is your usual response? How can you make seeking the Lord your first response in times of fear?
Day 4: Trust in God's Battle
God assured Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah that the battle was not theirs but His. They were instructed to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. This reminds us that while we may face battles, we must trust that God is fighting for us. Our role is to stand firm in faith and watch God work. This requires us to relinquish control and trust in God's sovereignty and power.
In our lives, we often try to handle things on our own, but we must learn to turn to God first. He is our present help in times of need. We should not be anxious about the future but trust in God's faithfulness. As Jehoshaphat looked to the past and remembered God's faithfulness, it gave him confidence in the present. We too should remember how God has helped us before and trust that He will help us again. [01:16:02]
Exodus 14:13-14 (ESV): "And Moses said to the people, 'Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.'"
Reflection: What is one battle you are currently facing? How can you trust God to fight this battle for you and stand firm in faith?
Day 5: Remember God's Faithfulness
Jehoshaphat looked to the past and remembered how God had helped them before, which gave him confidence in the present. We too should remember God's past faithfulness in our lives. This will strengthen our faith and help us trust that He will help us again. Reflecting on God's past deeds can provide us with the assurance that He is always with us and will continue to guide and protect us.
In moments of doubt and uncertainty, recalling God's past faithfulness can be a powerful source of encouragement. By remembering how God has worked in our lives before, we can find the strength to trust Him in our current circumstances. This practice of remembrance not only strengthens our faith but also deepens our relationship with God, as we recognize His ongoing presence and care in our lives. [01:07:59]
Psalm 77:11-12 (ESV): "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds."
Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on a specific instance in your life where you experienced God's faithfulness. How can remembering this instance help you trust God in your current situation?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Our lives would be much better off if we stopped looking at the circumstance around us and started looking at the rescuer, the redeemer, who is able to meet our needs according to his riches and glory. I'm convinced this morning, as I travel around the world, all across the country, every church that I have the opportunity and privilege to preach in is filled with people who know the struggle is real." [51:08]
2. "There are people here this morning, and I'm a perfect stranger to so many of you. If you don't like what I've got to say, Brother Scott taught me everything I know. I'm a perfect stranger to many of you, and yet I recognize that the human condition, the Christian life, is filled with peaks and valleys. And someone this morning may be experiencing that very thing." [52:20]
3. "Maybe you're in the room with a doctor, maybe a paramedic, a police officer. Maybe your life is really nothing less than chaotic or tragic, and you don't know what to do. But you look for that person who may be that expert who can potentially help you. But a parent in that moment can't help, a physician can't help, a public official can't help. What do you do? Where do you turn? Your back's against the wall this morning, and you're looking at the circumstance, and you're thinking there's more opportunity for defeat than there is victory. Where do you turn to? Where do I turn?" [55:01]
4. "You'll never get help trying to live out tomorrow today. There are so many this morning, you're facing something, and I am not belittling what you're facing today, but you are trying to choreograph what may happen. And so you're trying to live in tomorrow, and next week, and next month, and next year, and all that causes is anxiety." [01:07:28]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Sometimes we're just thinking we go through things so we become helpless so that we will pray a prayer like this that's worth praying again. Sometimes God will hem us up. That's a good southern term, isn't it? He'll hem us up so that the only person we can look to is Him. And so this morning, I simply want to ask you, when you look to Him, what are you focused on?" [01:23:44]
2. "Jehoshaphat feared and set himself to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout all of Judah. And Judah gathered themselves together to ask help of God. For the Lord, even out of all of the cities of Judah, they came to seek the Lord. I hope you hear that." [01:02:30]
3. "We strategize, we plan, and there's nothing wrong with those things. But there's something to be said about showing up and trusting in what He has told us to do. But preacher, you don't understand. I can't tell you how many times I hear that. Like on a weekly basis, pastor, they'll say, 'You just don't understand.' And I must admit to you, in 15 years of pastoral ministry before being a full-time evangelist, there were a lot of experiences I had, but I've not experienced everything. There's some things I don't understand. There's nothing He doesn't understand." [01:21:54]
4. "Verse 15 says that He's going to fight the battle, but verse 17 says I've got to go to the battlefield. Oh, and by the way, if you consider their armaments, they have physical weapons, but the Lord is calling them and you and I to take on this battle not in a physical means but with spiritual weapons. Because we wrestle not against flesh and blood. The battle that is raging is a spiritual one." [01:18:28]
5. "When it comes to God's faithfulness, hindsight is always 20-20, which causes him in verse number 9 to express his confidence in God. I love this phrase: 'Then thou wilt hear.' Do you see the chronological order that occurs in this prayer? It's important that we see how this unfolds because this often works the same way in our lives as well. If we praise God, that will cause us to see where he has brought us from, thus bringing us to a place of confidence. Because if he helped us before, he can help us now." [01:08:34]
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