II Chronicles 17:10  And the fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat.

II Chronicles 19:7, 9  Now therefore, let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take care and do it, for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, no partiality, nor taking of bribes.

9.  And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.

II Chronicles 20:29  And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that the LORD fought against the enemies of Israel.

Psalm 85:9  Surely, His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That Glory may dwell in their land.

If I have not lost you already, I will warn you this is more Jewish history.  But America, this is a lesson for us!  The Chronicles are the histories of each of the kings of Israel activities. It records how they led or failed to lead and God’s response to the leadership.  So, let’s dig in for a history lesson and see if it will help us navigate the current political climate (ugh!) and give us insight as to how the LORD would have us observe the candidates, participate in the process, and vote come election day.  Trust me, I would rather skip this.  Politics makes me want to stick my head in the sand; now is not the time for becoming an ostrich.

II Chronicles 14 is about Asa the king of Judah,  He is the third king of the Southern kingdom and God liked what he did!  He got rid of all the idols and places of idol worship out of Judah and they had TEN years of peace!  Remember Israel is a small country as a whole but it is divided and yet, Asa has an army of 300,000.  Here comes an army a million strong against them and as always  when God’s people follow God–they WIN regardless of the odds stacked against them because the LORD fights the battle!  In verse 11 we find the key:  And Asa cried out to the LORD his God, and said, “Lord, it is nothing for you to help, whether many or with those who have no power; help us, O LORD our God, for we rest on You and in Your name we go against this multitude, O LORD, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!”  God heard.  God acted. Judah won.  (read gods at War, by Keith Idleman)

II Chronicles 17 tells of a king named Jehoshaphat.  He was a righteous man.  Jehoshaphat sent out priests to teach God’s laws and because “he feared the Lord,” and “sought the God of his father and walked in His commandments,” and “took delight in the ways of the LORD and moreover he removed the high places and the wooden images from Judah,”  the Lord “established the kingdom in his hand,”   What happened is astounding! No one wanted to invade Judah and God had enemies bringing Judah wealth and placing it in Jehoshaphat’s hands.

Jehoshaphat then set judges throughout Judah to settle disputes.  In II Chronicles 19:6 we read, “take heed to what you are doing for you do not judge for man but for the LORD, who is with you in judgement.”  In other words, this is not to be the judge’s own political, social, or financial agenda!  Jehoshaphat is reminding the judges they will answer to God and to follow God’s laws, commandments, and statutes He has given.  If they do this they will be an exhibit before a watching world of the benefits of having a fear (reverence) of God.

The result of godly leadership?  The fear of God falls on other nations and they instinctively know to leave God’s people alone because the LORD fights against the enemies of His own.

America has been protected by the hand of God.  We have held enemies at bay by the strength of our resolve to be “one nation under God.”  But, things are changing.  Countries no longer give us their wealth, we are giving ours to them.  We lack righteous leadership and even when we think we have elected godly men and women we find ourselves sorely disappointed.  Could these verses be what we need to turn our beloved America around?  His word CLEARLY states He will fight for those who fear (revere) Him.  

Take heart, if we as a nation turn our hearts back to God, tear down our idols, elect righteous leadership He will deal with our enemies decisively!  Tricia wrote an article on July 28, 2015 Daddy’s Footsteps.  We would do well to follow our forefather’s footsteps as Jehoshaphat did and serve our country, follow the LORD, and Fear the LORD our God.  This is where it begins isn’t it?  Reverence, respect, awe, acknowledgement there is someONE in control much bigger, better, smarter, perfecter than me.  II Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”   We can still turn this mess around but it starts here:  individuals who fear the LORD.

If My People by Terry Blackwood and the Imperials