The past two days in Crisis
Counsels we considered the story of King Jehoshaphat, one of the most
faithful of the kings of Judah, who confronted an enormous crisis when his
country was subjected to a powerful invasion of foreign forces. II Chronicles
chapter 20 describes how Jehoshaphat went to the temple in Jerusalem to pray.

In the first part of the prayer, Jehoshaphat looks to God
in faith, and recalls that God is ever at work with saving power. Then Jehoshaphat
concludes the prayer with one of the most memorable statements of the Old Testament:
“We do not know what we should do, but our eyes, Lord, are fixed upon you.” (II
Chronicles 20:12)

The question of “What should we do?” has been paramount
these days. Confusion and uncertainty abound. We design one course of action to
respond to the pandemic, and then another set of guidelines appears. The
landscape shifts by the day and even by the hour. But there is one fixed point
from which we can gain our ultimate wisdom and inspiration. When we fix our
vision upon God, we find orientation that can help us rightly navigate through
this and every crisis.

By trusting in God, Jehoshaphat had reason for confidence
and hope, long before the answer to his dilemma appeared. We likewise can find
strength and guidance and peace as we fix our vision upon the Lord.