Eyes on You

Have you ever been in a place where you simply just didn’t know what to do? Good problems like having two job offers. Or a decision between two homes. Difficult problems like being wrongfully accused. Betrayed. Or given a life-altering report. Life seems to be pulling you in a million different directions!

The context of this phrase, ‘we don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you,’ wasn’t about a job offer or the purchase of some new home. But it was made in the midst of a really important decision that needed to be made for a multitude of people. 

Invading armies, lots of them, were coming. The word on the street had made its way to the inner courts of the king’s chambers. And the king, Jehoshaphat, was afraid. 

But in the midst of his fear what he did next was pivotal for where he and his people would eventually end up. The story goes on to say that ‘he resolved to seek the Lord.’ 

He didn’t question God’s intent. He didn’t attempt to manipulate the situation. He didn’t seek worldly counsel. He began to seek the Lord. And here’s a glimpse to how well respected his leadership was among the people; ‘they came from all the cities of Judah to seek the Lord.’ 

The writer of the story gives us insight to the prayer of Jehoshaphat. He is mindful of God’s sovereignty; ‘are you not the God who is in heaven and do you not rule over all the kingdoms.’ He is mindful of God’s past faithfulness; ‘are you not our God who drove out the inhabitants of this land before.’ He is mindful of God’s attentiveness; ‘you will hear and deliver.’ He is mindful of their dependence on God’s presence; ‘we are powerless to fight against this vast number that comes to fight against us.’ 

The story goes on to say that the Spirit of the Lord filled a guy named Jahaziel and he gave the people this word, ‘you do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He is with you.’ 

At that word the king ‘knelt low with his face to the ground…before the Lord to worship Him.’ Then others ‘stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel.’ 

The next day the king said, ‘believe in the Lord your God and you will be established; believe…and you will succeed.’ 

‘The moment they began their shouts and praises, the Lord set an ambush’ against their enemies. They were ‘completely annihilated.’ Then they joyfully returned with their leader for the Lord brought them a great victory. 

I wouldn’t be surprised that some may read this and think, ‘that was then and this is now.’ Or ‘stories like that are just fables to restore the faith of those down and out or on a string of bad luck.’ Perhaps others were turned off at the thought of reading a story from the Bible. 

Here’s what I know; when Bible stories intersect with personal experience perspectives can change. I’ve had moments in life when I didn’t know what to do. And I tried to blame God. And I tried to manipulate and control the situation. I sought the advice and opinions of others. I’ve done all the things that this king didn’t do. To no avail. 

Here’s something else I know; if we embrace the words ‘we don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you’ then we must ready ourselves for the Lord to act. In His time. In His way. With His purpose. 

Here are two words to consider about God today; sovereign and faithful. He is above all things. Even your situation. No circumstance is beyond His knowing or His control. He has a rich history of leading and caring for His people. He’s not absent and He hasn’t abandoned you. He will go to any necessary length to protect His own reputation as being a faithful God. 

And two words to be reminded of yourself today; humble and hopeful. When things seem out of control, it doesn’t have to be left up to you to maintain control. Remain humble. Keep a right perspective on how God can use your situation to get you to where He wants you to be. Be like Jehoshaphat; pray, proclaim a fast, gather others with you, seek godly counsel. See that you are powerless apart from the mighty working hand of God in your life. 

Remain hopeful. Victory is coming. You will experience success just like the people of Judah. It may not happen as you would expect. But that’s because God is building His kingdom and commanding success in His own way. His people didn’t receive victory the way they expected; they won without having to fight. God fought for them. Let your hope be garnered with praise when you witness what God can do through a willing vessel of faith.

Be the people of God! When you don’t know what to do, let it be said of you, ‘my eyes are on You!’