. There are two things to see here: You can check out his blog at www.energizingword.org) Confidence in a Crisis Daniel 6. Be careful before you glibly say that! Even faith is the gift of God, so that we cannot boast (Eph. I reason I know these things to be so about a man who wrote 1000 years before Christ is because he has left us clues right here in this psalm. The answer, I think, is fairly simple: I don’t pray as I ought to because I’m self-sufficient, which the Bible calls pride. We don’t have a second to waste!” As soon as the troops were mustered, if there was time, he could have stopped for a quick word of prayer. Storms that other people cause (as Paul and Silas thrown into prison). To understand this story, we have to see that Jehoshaphat’s call to prayer was a humiliating thing for him to do. Surely, it would have been better politically to pray in private, but then to get up in front of the people and say, “We’ve got a little problem, folks! When he heard the news of this army within his borders, we could understand if he yelled, “Call all my top generals! He had experienced God in a way there that had ushered him toward intimacy with the Almighty Shepherd. In salvation, we cannot do anything; God does it all: “Stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf” (20:17). What was unnerving for Kenneth was that, as the youngest, he had to go to bed first, braving that floor of dark bedrooms. It would have been very human to panic. How did David do it? You anoint my head with oil." My prayer this morning is that God so imprint His truth in your heart that you will find your confidence in Him rise above the storm clouds in your life, even as David did. Please see below for details. . He stayed close, trusted in God's protection and guidance all the way. But, once our need drives us to God in prayer, we need to understand how to pray. But just because it’s obvious doesn’t make it automatic. In the light, we are prone to wander off in pursuit of greener grass. When your finances are tight, and you are taking on yet another job to make ends meet, remember this: Your Shepherd has appointed even this hard time as one of His paths of righteousness. There could be rockslides, mud, or . . Certainly not for God’s information! Our troops are going to wipe them out! There are many who have trusted God and lost their heads (Heb. David felt comforted that his Shepherd was guarding his steps, making sure that he makes it through the darkness safely. A bricklayer in the French West Indies sent this letter to his boss, explaining why he needed to take some sick leave: I arrived at the job after the storm, checked the building out and saw that the top needed repairs. Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. One of the things the Lord used to correct me was reading John Calvin’s classic, The Institutes of the Christian Religion. David said he had no fear in adversity because of the comfort of God's power, protecting him from that which would ruin him. They get angry and complain, “This isn’t fair, God! The valley isn't good, but the Shepherd is. All who suffer loss for Jesus will be richly rewarded in heaven or else God is a liar! It would have been easy for Jehoshaphat to have said, “What kind of deal is this, God? The bottom layer was the cellar and the top was what we called the third floor, really a finished attic, the ceiling of which was cut into shadowed geometric shapes by dormer windows. And what makes this a constant friend is that it covers all of life. This meant that this enemy coalition was about 15 miles south of Jerusalem, on the western shore of the Dead Sea. But Jehoshaphat didn’t do that. This is David's testimony, his personal experience with God. Prayer was his strongest weapon. Not only could Jehoshaphat reacted with panic, he also could have had a twinge of anger at God. How can we keep from growing bitter toward God when trials hit? Take a few moments with me this morning to see David's confidence in times of crisis. With simple beauty, it speaks of green pastures and still waters as well as dark valleys and enemies and adversities. When you're walking through some unfamiliar valley and the shadows linger . . A major detriment to godly prayer is the wave of worldly teaching flooding the church that says that you need to build your self-esteem. So, I rely mostly on myself and a little bit on God. In his book, Reaching For The Invisible God, Philip Yancey points out that when it comes down to it, when crisis comes we have two choices: fear the crisis or fear God. He never fails those who trust Him and obey His Word. When you have cancer and have to decide whether it will be chemotherapy or some other way . * Indicated Required Field See our Privacy Policy. A recognition of our great need should drive us to prayer (20:1-4). Jehoshaphat’s prayer gives us some important instruction in how to seek God in prayer. Let’s go get them!” But Jehoshaphat, rather than trusting in his army, publicly admits his lack of strength and calls on God as his only help in this crisis. Psalm 23 is one of those places. That’s obvious to any believer, of course. Writer Kenneth Wilson tells of growing up in Pittsburgh. Leaders have to be tough and inspire confidence in their leadership. When The Sun Finally Rises: Wrestling With The Past (Gen. 32:22-32), 2. But our side is strong. Chapter 17:12-19 tells about the organization and might of his forces. I respectfully request sick leave. No, the reason the sheep is going through the valley is because the shepherd lead him there. My pride makes me think, erroneously, that I can handle things by myself, with a little help now and then from God. The point is, we’re too proud to admit that we’re needy. First, he speaks of God's nearness, His presence. He reminds God of His agreement to hear the prayers of His people when they cry to Him in their distress (almost a direct quote from the dedication of Solomon’s temple, 2 Chron. When they heard this word through the prophet, everyone fell down and worshiped and then they stood up and sang loud praises (20:18-19). But Jehoshaphat wasn’t worried about politics or his public image. Who does this prophet think he is to get a message from God? Then, based on the prophet’s word from God, the people got up the next morning and marched out to the battlefield, led by a choir singing praises, of all things (20:21)! And in those times, something deep happened between him and God. I don’t really believe the words of Jesus, “Without Me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?". He admitted his fear, called a national prayer meeting, and then prayed in front of everyone about how helpless he was (20:12). Believe that He has good reasons for taking this route, even though it is hard and unfamiliar. Select an option and chat directly with a member of our support team. If we turn to the world for help, the world gets some of the glory. Your trusted source of Christian resources since 1891, Sermon: Confidence in Times of Crisis - Psalm 23. Storms that God causes (as Jesus stilling the storm on Lake Galilee) 3. But what comforts us and helps us is the psalm's confidence. . Once, I remember, my father said, "Would you rather I leave the light on and go downstairs, or turn the light out and stay with you for awhile?" 1 JONATHAN. I was trying to follow You and do Your will.