What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do

Life has moments where plans fall apart, and we’re left uncertain about what to do next. However, it’s often the seasons when we feel overwhelmed that we are being stretched to move in faith. Here are four principles from King Jehoshaphat’s story (2 Chronicles 20) to help you navigate times when you don’t know what to do.

What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do

1. When the Enemy Attacks, Assemble with Your Family

We see from Jehoshaphat’s story that when he was under attack, he didn’t isolate himself. Instead, he gathered with his spiritual family (2 Chronicles 20:4).

Isolation is a common temptation when life gets hard. However, assembling with other believers strengthens us. Being together as believers brings power, support, and encouragement. The Bible says in Hebrews 10:25, that we are not to forsake the assembling of the saints.

Gathering with your church family is a lifeline during moments of confusion and trial. When you don’t know what to do, make sure you’re connected to your church family.

2. Prayer Should Be Our First Response, Not Our Last Resort

When Jehoshaphat was faced with a large army, his first move wasn’t to strategize but to pray. The Bible says he assembled the people, and they turned their focus to God (2 Chronicles 20:4).

During those moments, here is how Jehoshaphat prayed.

1. Praised God for Who He Is
   He began by acknowledging God’s greatness. Instead of focusing on his problem, Jehoshaphat focused on God’s power and sovereignty.
2. Thanked God for His Gifts
   He expressed gratitude for the Promised Land and other blessings. Even in the midst of his problem, he took time to be grateful.
3. Brought Complaints to God
   Notice that Jehoshaphat didn’t stop himself from expressing his frustrations towards God, but he did so after he had acknowledged God and thanked Him. God can handle your honest emotions, as long as they’re directed toward Him.
4. Asked for Help
   And lastly, we see that after pouring out his heart, Jehoshaphat asked for God to intervene on his behalf. The Bible encourages us to bring our anxieties to God He will give us peace (Philippians 4:6-7).

3. God Gives Promise Before He Brings Provision

Later on in the chapter, we see that Jehoshaphat received a word from God through a prophet: “Do not be afraid… the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15).

At this point, nothing had changed physically, but something had happened in his heart. Even though nothing changed immediately, the promise gave the people hope and direction.

Similarly, when we are going through difficult times, God often gives a promise before He fulfills it. Just like a check represents funds that haven’t yet been transferred, His promises are as good as done. When God speaks, He is not bluffing or exaggerating. Trusting God’s timing and His process is key.

4. Miracles Are God’s Job; Marching Is Ours

Finally, we see that when Jehoshaphat and his people were told, “You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord” (2 Chronicles 20:17), they were also commanded to march out the next day. It seems like they were doing things that contradicted the prophetic word. However, it’s important to remember that our faith requires action.

We must pray and then step forward in faith, even when the path is unclear. Faith and fear both ask us to believe in something we cannot see. Choosing faith means moving forward, trusting that God will show up.

Final Thoughts

In this passage we see that the valley where the enemy planned to attack Jehoshaphat became the Valley of Berachah, meaning “blessing.” In other words, God had turned their trial into a triumph.

I want to encourage you that your valley—whether it’s your job, your relationship, or your future–can become a place of blessing. Trust God, take one step at a time, and believe He is working for your good.

Read: The Power of Short Prayers