A Prayer for When You Really Don't Know What to Do
Second Chronicles 20:12 contains one of the most honest prayers in Scripture, offered by King Jehoshaphat when three armies were advancing and there was genuinely nothing left to do in human terms: we do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You. That prayer is the frame for everything that follows — six practical, biblical postures for the seasons when we are stuck, crushed, and out of our own answers.
Remembering the faithfulness of God throughout Scripture and personal history. Trusting that He will move at the right time and work all things for good. Hoping with the deep, anchor-grade hope of Hebrews 6:19 rather than wishful thinking. Grieving what needs to be grieved without pushing it down. Praying even when words run out, because the Spirit intercedes through wordless groans. And praising, because praise is a weapon in spiritual warfare and the Lord is worthy regardless of what we are facing. When we do not know what to do, we can always do these things.
Today's Bible Verse
“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
— 2 Chronicles 20:12, NIV
Ponder Today
- “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You” is a complete and sufficient prayer. Jehoshaphat did not pretend to have a plan. He acknowledged the limitation honestly and then chose where to fix his gaze. That is one of the most faithful things we can do in an impossible situation.
- Soul paralysis may be a signal that we are not supposed to act in our own strength. Zechariah 4:6 and John 15:5 remind us that apart from God we can do nothing. The stillness we feel may be God’s invitation into dependence rather than a failure of faith.
- Remembering God’s past faithfulness is an active form of trust in the present. When the current situation feels hopeless, looking back at how God has moved — in Scripture and in personal history — anchors the heart in what is actually true about His character.
- Grief is not the opposite of hope — it is part of healing. Pushing down painful emotions does not make them go away. Grieving what could have been while hoping for what will be is a healthy and honest posture that allows both sorrow and faith to coexist.
- Praise is a weapon in spiritual warfare, not just an expression of happiness. When we do not know what to do with a situation, we can always praise God — not because circumstances deserve it, but because He is worthy regardless of what we are facing, and praise shifts the battle.
A Prayer for You Today
Heavenly Father, we are grateful that nothing takes You by surprise. You know all and are in control of all, so when life blindsides us and we do not know what to do, we can come to You with full confidence that You have everything — including us — in Your very capable hands. May we relinquish control and the need to fix it, all the while keeping our eyes on You. You do all things well, and this too will work out for our good. Thank You. In Your mighty name, Amen.
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