"Looking for Lovely"

“As Judah came up over the rise, looking into the wilderness for the horde of barbarians, they looked on a killing field of dead bodies – not a living soul among them.” 2 Chronicles 20:24, MSG

Admittedly, this is a WEIRD verse to use in writing one of the final posts for our “Looking for Lovely” book study. BUT would you please notice the repetitive use of the word “look” in two tenses. Hang with me, because I think this verse provides an excellent wrap-up to our study.

Please read 2 Chronicles 20:1-24.

Annie used a portion of this reading in the chapter, so I went there to read the whole story. King Jehoshaphat was facing a giant (and scary) battle. Many of the enemies of God’s people were joining forces to come against them. The king received a distressing message that basically said, “a huge army has formed against you, and they are on their way to fight you.”

Now, my imagination tells me that this news wasn’t lovely in any way to King Jehoshaphat. I’m guessing he was stressed and scared. I believe he probably panicked a bit at the news.

However, it didn’t stop there. This passage tells me that Jehoshaphat had a history with the Lord. He knew Him and likely felt God knew him. As the leader, he gathered his people together and asked them to pray. He was honest with God in his prayer. Please take time to read his prayer carefully. Jehoshaphat wasn’t hiding his feelings from God. He didn’t mind reminding God of who He’d said He would be. He took time to tell God the scary details of the circumstances even though I’m sure he knew God already knew these details. All of the people of Judah were present – all waiting to see what the king and God would do.

Here is why I believe Jehoshaphat had a history with God. When the man of God spoke up and told the king what to, he did it. He didn’t question. He didn’t share alternative solutions. He just obeyed. Then, he offered this message to the people of Jerusalem and Judah,

“Listen to what I have to say! Believe firmly in God, your God, and your lives will be firm! Believe in your prophets and you’ll come out on top!” 20:20, MSG

How could he have been so sure?

Was King Jehoshaphat making promises that may not come true?

I am partially guessing, but it seems to me the king had enough history with God to know that somehow, they were going to win! Something tells me he couldn’t be sure of an actual, physical victory, but he knew God would be the ultimate winner. In the end, Jehoshaphat had witnessed God’s victories too many times to think He’d suddenly stop winning now.

That’s why verse 20:24 seems so appropriate for our study’s ending. When the people of Jerusalem and Judah looked out over the land, they saw death, enemies, and destruction. There isn’t much lovely about that. But, in context, they were looking at the victory, provision, and faithfulness of God. That’s lovely!

I have my own history with the Lord. Some of it has looked like death, enemies, and destruction. When I look with the right lenses, though, I see God’s provision, care, and faithfulness. There is lovely to be found in all the parts of my story. I’ve just needed to look at it with new lenses.

King Jehoshaphat had the right idea! When we are filled with faith and trust in God, praise is the natural outcome. And, worship will always lead to victory…. To lovely.

God, put a song in our hearts. Help us to see You in all things and cause our faith to grow. We believe You are making all things lovely in time. We want to see the evidence of that in every moment, every day, and every story. Amen.