Of Kings and of Pastors
2 Chronicles 20:12b says this “We don’t know what to do, and so we are looking to you for help.” (CEB)
This shows up at a time when Jehoshaphat is about to be attacked and everyone is looking to him to lead. Jehoshaphat calls a fast and goes to God and pleads with God to punish their enemies or at the very least do something because he doesn’t know what to do.
As a pastor this is typically how I feel before I preach, counsel, attend a committee meeting.
I don’t know about you but on a regular basis I look at the congregation and I see people with an amazing story, some hurt in the past, and a future so full of hope and I see all of the things that distract from God and the calling they have.
And then very quickly after that I begin to panic because they are all looking at me for answers. Hundreds of eyes looking at me and somehow I have to encourage, lead, and give hope to all these people.
As a result before any pastoral duties I find myself looking heavenward and going “Okay God, I don’t know what to do so I look to you for answers.”
I have also found that when I think I know exactly what I am doing and I don’t focus on God first that my decisions are usually wrong and we can get into some dark places that are not healthy.
So then, do you pretend you know what you are doing when you really don’t have a clue? That’s okay, be like Jehoshaphat, admit you have no idea and look to God for answers.
