Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord.
2 Chronicles 20:18 NIV
Perhaps you face a ‘great multitude’ of problems today. Indeed, many of us ask how to trust God when we feel overwhelmed. We might feel unsure what to do next. However, God offers a powerful pattern for peace in such moments. Let us explore an ancient story that still speaks volumes.
Ancient Judah once faced an impossible threat. A vast army marched against them. The entire nation including the king, Jehoshaphat, experienced deep fear. Nevertheless, he did not hide his concern. Instead, he sought the Lord with his whole nation.
Jehoshaphat bravely admitted their weakness. He prayed openly to God. ‘We have no might against this great company,’ he confessed. ‘Neither do we know what to do.’ Importantly, he concluded, ‘Our eyes are upon you.’ This prayer showed his humble, honest dependence.
Soon after, God answered through Jahaziel. God declared, ‘Do not fear this great multitude.’ Furthermore, He promised, ‘The battle is not yours, but God’s.’ They would not need to fight. ‘Stand still,’ God commanded, ‘and see the salvation of the Lord.’ God gave a clear promise, not a clever plan.
Then, something profound happened, recorded in 2 Chronicles 20:18. Jehoshaphat immediately bowed his face to the ground. He did not remain upright in royal dignity. Rather, he went all the way down. His body thus preached absolute trust and full surrender to God.
Bowing Before God When You Feel Overwhelmed
Following their king, all Judah and Jerusalem likewise fell before the Lord. They joined him in humble worship. The entire nation lay prostrate before God. They worshipped while their enemy still stood ready. They certainly did not wait for visible victory. Indeed, they treated God’s word as completely enough.
This powerful act of worship connects with many other biblical moments. Joshua fell on his face before the Lord’s army commander. Ezra likewise read the Law, and people bowed to the ground. People often fell at Jesus’ feet in the Gospels. Ultimately, Philippians 2 states every knee will bow. This worshipful posture runs through all Scripture.
This chapter also reveals a vital pattern for spiritual battles. Fear may arrive, but our prayer must rise. God then speaks His promise. Worship responds with faith. Obedience diligently follows God’s word. Finally, God acts on our behalf. Judah did not fight; instead, God fought for them.
Your Posture When Life Feels Too Much
Jehoshaphat’s humble posture also teaches leaders a crucial lesson. He led by going low before God. He certainly did not use his position to stand above others. Instead, he went first in surrender. People often follow a leader’s actions more than their words. Therefore, when leaders bow, others find it easier to bow too.
This story truly speaks to your own walk with God. You may not always lie with your face on the ground. However, you still choose a posture before God. You can kneel in earnest prayer. You can lift your hands in praise. You can fall on your face when feeling overwhelmed. Your body can powerfully agree with your heart’s desire.
You also face ‘great multitudes’ in your life. Perhaps you battle fear, sin, uncertainty, or deep brokenness. You can copy Judah’s ancient pattern. Indeed, you can say, ‘I do not know what to do, but my eyes stay on You.’ Therefore, open Scripture, receive God’s promises, and worship before anything looks different.
Finally, this verse points us to Jesus Christ Himself. In Him, God’s promise reaches its glorious fullness. He won the final battle at the cross. Ultimately, His empty tomb proved His victory. When you bow before Jesus, you join this same stream of worship. This powerful worship runs through 2 Chronicles 20:18 and all of Scripture.
Living It Out
Therefore, this verse calls you to a simple, strong response. When God speaks, bow. When fear rises, bow. When you cannot fix things, bow. When you hear God’s promises in Christ, worship before you see the outcome. Choose this posture: ‘Lord, the battle is Yours. I trust You.’