The Valley of Jehoshaphat The Valley of Decision

Joel 3:2
I will gather all nations
and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat.
There I will put them on trial
for what they did to my inheritance, my people Israel,
because they scattered my people among the nations
and divided up my land.
Joel 3:12
“Let the nations be roused;
let them advance into the Valley of Jehoshaphat,
for there I will sit
to judge all the nations on every side.
Joel 3:14
Multitudes, multitudes
in the valley of decision!
For the day of the LORD is near
in the valley of decision.

2 Chronicles 20 tells us that several enemy nations gathered to fight Israel. Israel was obviously going to lose terribly. Jehoshaphat gathered Israelites in the desert of Tekoa and they fasted and prayed. At this desert of Tekoa where they were fasting and praying something happened. At the desert of Tekoa God answered their prayers by promising to fight for them. Enemies who were gathered at the valley of Berakah turned against each other and killed each other.

At the desert of Tekoa and the valley of Berakah God defeated the coalition of enemies without Israel fighting. Though the name of the desert and the valley have never changed, they are also referred to as the Valley of Jehoshaphat the valley of decision. In our text today we are told that God is gathering everybody to the valley of decision valley of Jehoshaphat.

To be gathered and invited to the valley of Jehoshaphat the valley of decision is to be invited for a final fight. At this place, enemies of God’s people form a coalition against God’s people. At this place God’s people are desperate. At this place, God’s people fast and pray. At this place, God assures His people of victory. This is the valley of Jehoshaphat the valley of decision.

At this place our enemies scheme. At this place, night meetings are held. At this place, highly confidential meetings are called. At this place, every strategy to finish God’s people is perfected. At this place, roles are distributed on how each will act to finally revenge against God’s people. At this place, enemies are sure of victory but God’s people are praying and fasting in fear. This is the valley of Jehoshaphat the valley of decision,

At this place, God fights for His people. At this place, God turns the enemies against each other and they fight each other and destroy each other. At this place those who in fear trusted God are victorious. At this place, those who hated God’s people and trusted their position of advantage are terrible and permanent losers. At this place, God judges between the attackers and the attacked. This is the valley of Jehoshaphat the valley of decision.

What enemies are gathered against you? If you feel threatened and overwhelmed, go to the valley of Jehoshaphat the valley of decision, and pray. When you feel insecure, go to this valley then fast and pray. This is a symbolic and spiritual place where you are to face your enemies. At this place, God will take up your battles. At this place, God will fight for you.

The valley of decision is not a place where people make decisions for God or against God, no! This is a place where God makes the decision who to fight for. God fights for those who do not fight their enemies but trust God to fight their enemies. Take your threats and fears to the valley of Jehoshaphat the valley of decision.

Dear God, I am so afraid of many things. I feel hunted and threatened by people and situations that are greater than me. Gather us O LORD, gather us to this valley, and fight for me, in Jesus’ name, Amen!