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Valley Of Blessing
by Gary J. Borgstede Scripture 2 Chronicles 20:26 "On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing, which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the Lord there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today." New Living Translation Observation This verse highlights a day when the people of Judah, under the reign of King Jehoshaphat, celebrated a huge victory in the Lord. Just prior to this celebration in the Valley of Blessing, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites had declared war on King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah. As they were marching towards Judah, King Jehoshaphat declared a fast and prayed to the Lord for deliverance. The Lord heard his prayer and the Spirit of the Lord communicated that the battle was not King Jehoshaphat's battle, but rather God's battle. King Jehoshaphat sought wisdom from God, stood still in the presence of the Lord, and watched the Lord deliver a complete victory. The victory was so great that it took three full days for the people of Judah to gather the plunder from the battlefield. On the fourth day, they gathered at the Valley of Blessing to praise the Lord and thank Him there. Application There are times when I find myself just as King Jehoshaphat, faced with an opposing situation that is simply too big for me to handle and I don't know what to do. It is in those times when I must follow the example of King Jehoshaphat and seek the Lord for His guidance, wisdom, and protection. In a humble posture of complete yielding and dependence upon the Lord, I can position myself to trust the Lord, stand still in His presence, and watch the Lord accomplish the victory on my behalf. As I give praise to the Lord in every circumstance as a child of God, the battle becomes God's battle and not mine which assures me victory as well as a valley of blessing. Prayer Heavenly Father, I praise You for You are Jehovah Tsebioth, the Lord of Hosts! Thank You Lord for Your name being a strong tower where I can run to it and find safety in every situation. I place my total trust in You and have no fear of any adverse circumstance prevailing against me because You are for me. Help me Lord to always remember that Your faithful love endures forever. I love You Jesus! Amen! Valley Of Blessing Copyright 2012, Gary J. Borgstede. You have permission to reprint the personal devotion, Valley Of Blessing, in its entirety only, and forward to your colleagues and friends, provided the copyright notice remains part of the reprint and transmission. All other rights reserved. Gary J. Borgstede is the published author of the leadership books titled, The Make It Happen Journey and Kings Come Forth, as well as the faith-based leadership education blog at www.makeithappenmoment.com. Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |