When You Don't Know What To Do Next

Life throws us into situations where we feel utterly overwhelmed, the problems we face seem insurmountable, and we simply don’t know what to do. Maybe it’s a financial crisis that threatens your stability, a health scare without clear answers, or a relationship teetering on the edge despite your best efforts. In those moments, fear creeps in, and the weight of the unknown presses down hard. But there’s hope—because the Bible shows us what to do when we’re at our wits’ end.

In 2 Chronicles 20:12, King Jehoshaphat of Judah faced a crisis that mirrors our own moments of desperation. Three armies—Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir—had united against Judah, poised to invade and destroy everything he held dear. The odds were stacked against him, and he was terrified. Yet, in his fear, he didn’t crumble or lash out in panic. Instead, he did something extraordinary: he turned to God in prayer, leading his people in a collective cry for help. His words in verse 12 are raw and honest: “O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (ESV).

That phrase—“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you”—is a lifeline for anyone who feels lost. It’s an admission of human limitation paired with a bold declaration of faith. When you don’t know what to do, the next best thing—the next right thing—is to turn to God, fix your eyes on Him, and trust Him to guide you through. In this 3,400-word blog post from an evangelical perspective, we’ll unpack the richness of this passage through careful exegesis, explore key Hebrew phrases, and apply its timeless truth to our lives today using the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible. Whether facing a personal battle or simply seeking encouragement, this story offers hope and a clear path forward.

Setting the Scene: A King in Crisis

To grasp the weight of Jehoshaphat’s prayer, we need to step into his world. 2 Chronicles 20 opens with a dire situation: “After this the Moabites and Ammonites, and with them some of the Meunites, came against Jehoshaphat for battle” (v. 1, ESV). These weren’t random enemies; they were neighboring nations with a tangled history with Israel. Ammon and Moab were descendants of Lot, Abraham’s nephew (Genesis 19:36-38), and Mount Seir was linked to Esau, Jacob’s brother (Genesis 36:8-9). When Israel exited Egypt, God had commanded them not to attack these peoples (Deuteronomy 2:4-9, 19), a command Israel obeyed. Now, centuries later, these same nations were repaying that mercy with hostility, forming a “great horde” intent on driving Judah out of the land God had given them.

Jehoshaphat’s reaction was immediate and human: “Then Jehoshaphat was afraid” (v. 3, ESV). He didn’t pretend to be fearless or concoct a hasty plan. Instead, he “set his face to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah” (v. 3, ESV). He gathered the people—men, women, and children—to stand together before God at the temple in Jerusalem. This wasn’t a solo act of piety but a communal plea for divine intervention. And at the heart of it was his prayer, recorded in verses 5-12, a model of faith under fire.

Exegesis of 2 Chronicles 20:5-12

Let’s dive into the text, breaking down Jehoshaphat’s prayer to uncover its structure, theology, and power. Here’s the full passage from the ESV:

“Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court, and said, ‘O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? And they have lived in it and have built for you in it a sanctuary for your name, saying, “If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before you—for your name is in this house—and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.” And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt, and whom they avoided and did not destroy—behold, they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you’” (2 Chronicles 20:5-12, ESV).

Acknowledging God’s Sovereignty (v. 6)

Jehoshaphat begins with a resounding affirmation: “O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you.” This isn’t flattery; it’s theology. The Hebrew name for God here is Yahweh (יהוה), the covenant name of Israel’s God, emphasizing His personal relationship with His people. Jehoshaphat declares that Yahweh isn’t just Judah’s God but the sovereign ruler over all kingdoms—Moab, Ammon, and beyond. Unlike the pagan gods of the ancient Near East, who were believed to hold sway only over specific regions, Yahweh’s dominion is universal. His “power and might” (koach v’gevurah, כֹּחַ וּגְבוּרָה) leave no room for rivals. This sets the stage: if God is this powerful, He can handle Judah’s crisis.

Recalling God’s Past Faithfulness (vv. 7-8)

Next, Jehoshaphat appeals to history: “Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?” He reminds God and the people of the conquest of Canaan, when God expelled the Canaanites to fulfill His promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21). Calling Abraham “your friend” (ohev, אֹהֵב, meaning “one who loves”) echoes Isaiah 41:8 and underscores the covenant bond. Then, he notes, “they have lived in it and have built for you in it a sanctuary for your name.” The temple, built by Solomon, stands as a testament to God’s presence and faithfulness—a physical anchor for their trust.

Standing on God’s Promises (v. 9)

Jehoshaphat pivots to a specific promise: “If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before you—for your name is in this house—and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.” This echoes Solomon’s prayer at the temple’s dedication (2 Chronicles 6:28-30), where he asked God to hear His people’s cries in times of calamity. The phrase “your name is in this house” highlights God’s presence (shem, שֵׁם, symbolizing His identity and authority). Jehoshaphat says, “Lord, you promised to listen when we pray here. We’re here now—hear us!”

Presenting the Crisis (vv. 10-11)

He then lays out the problem: “And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt…they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit.” Jehoshaphat knows his history (Deuteronomy 2:8-9, 19) and frames the attack as an injustice. Israel spared these nations at God’s command; now they’re betraying that mercy. The Hebrew yerusha (יְרֻשָּׁה), meaning “possession” or “inheritance,” underscores that the land is God’s gift, making the invasion an affront to Him.

Confessing Helplessness and Dependence (v. 12)

The prayer climaxes with vulnerability: “O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” The Hebrew ein koach (אֵין כֹּחַ) means “no strength”—they’re outmatched. The phrase “we do not know what to do” is velo yadanu mah-na’aseh (וְלֹא יָדַעְנוּ מַה־נַּעֲשֶׂה), literally “we do not know what we should do,” capturing their confusion and lack of strategy. But the pivot is stunning: “our eyes are on you,” or eineinu eleicha (עֵינֵינוּ אֵלֶיךָ). The word ayin (עַיִן), “eye,” symbolizes focus and expectation. They’re looking to God alone for deliverance.

Key Hebrew Phrases

Let’s zoom in on two phrases that carry profound weight in the original language.

“We Do Not Know What to Do” (Velo Yadanu Mah-Na’aseh)

This admission is candid. Yada (יָדַע) means “to know,” often implying experiential or practical knowledge, like knowing how to solve a problem. With the negative lo (לֹא), it becomes “we don’t know.” Mah-na’aseh (מַה־נַּעֲשֶׂה) combines “what” (mah) with “we should do” (na’aseh, from asah, עָשָׂה, “to do” or “make”). Together, it’s a confession of intellectual and practical paralysis. Jehoshaphat, a king with resources and advisors, has no plan. This vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s the starting point of faith.

“Our Eyes Are on You” (Eineinu Eleicha)

This is the heartbeat of the passage. Ayin (עַיִן) means “eye,” and with the possessive einu (נוּ), it’s “our eyes.” Eleicha (אֵלֶיךָ) is “to you,” directing their gaze to God. In Hebrew culture, eyes represent attention and dependence, like a servant watching a master’s hand for direction (Psalm 123:2). Elsewhere, “lifting eyes” to God signals hope (Psalm 121:1-2). Here, it’s a deliberate choice: with no solutions in sight, they fix their focus on the One who sees all and knows all.

God’s Answer: Stand Firm and See

Jehoshaphat’s prayer didn’t go unanswered. Through a prophet named Jahaziel, God responded: “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s… You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf” (2 Chronicles 20:15, 17, ESV). The next day, Judah marched out, not with weapons drawn, but with singers praising God. Miraculously, the enemy armies turned on each other, and Judah was spared without striking a blow (vv. 22-24).

This outcome highlights a key evangelical truth: salvation belongs to the Lord. Jehoshaphat’s role wasn’t to win the battle but to trust and obey. God fought for them, turning despair into deliverance.

Applying This Today

So, what does this mean for us? We may not face literal armies, but our battles—financial strain, health crises, broken relationships—can feel just as overwhelming. Like Jehoshaphat, we often reach a point where we say, “I don’t know what to do.” And that’s okay, because the next best thing is to turn to God.

Modern Scenarios of Helplessness

Consider these examples:

Financial Crisis: You’ve lost your job, and the bills keep coming. Savings are dwindling, and no opportunities are in sight.

Health Scare: A diagnosis leaves you reeling, with treatments uncertain and fear mounting.

Relationship Struggles: Your marriage or family is fracturing, and every attempt to mend it seems to fail.

In each case, the temptation is to panic or despair. But Jehoshaphat shows us another way.

Practical Steps to Turn to God

Pray Honestly: Be honest with God. Tell Him your fears, your confusion, your need. Jehoshaphat didn’t sugarcoat it—he admitted powerlessness. You can too.

Recall His Faithfulness: Reflect on how God has helped you or others before. Maybe He provided when you were broke, healed when you were sick, or restored what was lost. History builds hope.

Seek His Wisdom: James 1:5 promises, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (ESV). Ask, then listen—through Scripture, prayer, or godly advice.

Act in Obedience: Turning to God isn’t passive. For Jehoshaphat, it meant standing firm as God directed. For you, it might mean making a call, seeking help, or waiting patiently. Trust He’ll show the next step.

Lean on Community: Jehoshaphat rallied Judah to pray together. Don’t isolate—share your burden with believers who can lift you up (Galatians 6:2).

Trusting the Outcome to God

God’s deliverance for Judah was dramatic, but ours might look different—a job offer, a medical breakthrough, a reconciled relationship, or simply peace amid the storm (Philippians 4:7). The point isn’t the how but the Who. When we fix our eyes on Him, we can trust He’s working for our good (Romans 8:28).

Eyes on the Lord

Jehoshaphat’s story isn’t just ancient history—it’s a roadmap for today. When you don’t know what to do, the next right thing is to turn to God. His sovereignty assures us He’s in control, His past faithfulness proves He’s reliable, and His promises invite us to call on Him. The Hebrew eineinu eleicha—our eyes are on you—becomes our cry too.

So, whatever you’re facing, take heart. You don’t need all the answers. You just need to look to the One who does. Pray. Trust. Obey. And watch Him move. As Psalm 46:1 declares, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (ESV). When the path ahead is unclear, fix your eyes on Him—He’ll lead you through.