2 Chronicle 20:3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.
When you are alarmed, intimidated or overwhelmed, fast. Jehoshaphat was attacked by a collation of three nations – the Moabites, Ammonites and the Meunites. The King of Judah did not call his army commander to prepare for battle but he called the priests to conduct a national fasting prayer meeting! All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the Lord (2 Chronicles 20:12). Even kids and toddlers fasted. When you are struck with a fierce spiritual attack and are emotionally and spiritually shaken, fast.
Raul Perez-Vazquez, MD, says “In the acute or immediate setting, stress causes increased levels of cortisol, which in turn increases acid production in the stomach”. High anxiety level, trauma or dread increases cortisol levels (stress hormone) in our system resulting in the loss of appetite. This kind of stress-fast can cause ulcers. The antidote to calm the qualm is spiritual fasting. De-stress the body, soul and spirit by fasting and prayer when inundated with fear. Normally, when we are under intense pressure or anxiety there is a loss of appetite, hence it would be an ideal time to switch to “fasting mode”.
As the king along with the royal family, army, common people and the kiddos fasted, the Lord spoke through a prophet, “Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you” (2 Chronicles 20:17b).
Three strategies to fast and overcome fear:
- Switch-Off: Switch-off your mobile, social media and TV when in fear and fast. Rather than fuming with fury or falling into the trap of fear, switch-off from human reasons, worldly possibilities and imaginative outcomes of the impending danger. The more we dwell on the problem, the bigger our fear will grow. So, switch-off your brain, logical analysis and seek God’s guidance. Fast when you are afraid or anxious.
- Switch-On: Switch-off your belly and switch-on your spirit. Fasting enlightens us with spiritual insights. Promises of God come alive. When the spirit is switched-on, praise overflows and fills our emptiness. King Jehoshaphat sent his worship team before his army to fight the battle. Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise Him for the splendor of His holiness as they went out at the head of the army (2 Chronicle 20:21). Switch-on the mind and mouth to “praise mode”. Fasting, praise and worship illuminate the soul.
- Sail-On: The praise in the camp of Judah sent an ambush of angelic hosts into the enemies camp and annihilated them. As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab.., and they were defeated (2 Chronicles 20:22). As we raise our praise and worship in our homes, the Lord will overturn the tables against our enemies. The ruthless boss will be made redundant; The banker who refused finance will call back with funds and the defeat will be turned into victory. Fasting will set us sailing.
Fasting obliterates the invading enemy forces.
2 Chronicles 20:17a “You will not have to fight this battle”.
Prayer: Jesus my Great Warrior, train me in the battle strategy to fasting, praise and worship. Teach me to de-stress by fasting and prayer. Amen.
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