Some thoughts on leadership and fear
How to Handle Fear as a Leader
Lessons from Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20.1–30)
Do you suffer from fear as a leader? I hope so. I do. But what of it? Is it to be eliminated, embraced or circumvented? Let’s learn from Jehoshaphat.
Fear is not a leadership failure. It’s a human response. Every leader, sooner or later, gets bad news. A threat you didn’t expect. Opposition that feels overwhelming. Criticism that draws internal blood. A situation that’s bigger than your resources or wisdom. King Jehoshaphat knew that feeling well.
In 2 Chronicles 20, he receives word that a vast army is coming against Judah. The situation is serious. The odds are terrible. I am not surprised by his reaction:
“Jehoshaphat was afraid…” (2 Chronicles 20:3)
What follows is one of the clearest biblical pictures of how a godly leader handles fear. Use it as a template for your next fear scenario.
1. Let fear drive you to God.
Jehoshaphat doesn’t deny his fear or hide it behind bravado. He doesn’t rush into action to demonstrate his strength. Instead:
“Jehoshaphat was afraid and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” (v. 3)
Fear becomes the trigger, not for panic, but for prayer. This matters for us leaders. Fear itself is not the danger. Where fear sends you is what counts. Fear can push you toward control, anger, silence, or despair. Or it can push you toward God.
Jehoshaphat “set himself” to seek the Lord. He chose where his attention would go.
2. Find some friends.
One of the first things Jehoshaphat does is involve others:
“Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.” (v. 4)
This is not a private crisis meeting behind palace doors. It’s a spiritual response shared with the people. Leaders are often tempted to isolate when afraid. But Scripture shows the opposite pattern. Jehoshaphat builds unity by bringing people together around prayer and fasting.
Fear shrinks when it’s experienced together before God.
3. Be honest with God.
Jehoshaphat stands before the assembly and prays a remarkable prayer. It’s dripping with truth, humility, and trust. He reminds God of His promises and power. Then he says something leaders (including myself) rarely say out loud:
“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” (v. 12)
That sentence alone is worth the price of admission. Strong leadership doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means knowing where to look when you don’t. Jehoshaphat models prayer that is honest, not polished. He names the problem and admits his limits.
God is not offended by leaders who confess dependence.
4. Make room for other voices.
God responds to the prayer through a prophet named Jahaziel:
“Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel… and he said, ‘Listen… Thus says the Lord to you…’” (vv. 14–15)
Jehoshaphat listens. Healthy leaders don’t assume God will only speak through them. They create space for other Spirit-filled people to bring insight, encouragement, and direction.
If you’re leading while afraid, ask: Who else might God want to use to speak into this moment?
5. The battle belongs to God.
The message Jahaziel brings is clear:
“Do not be afraid or dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s.” (v. 15)
“Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.” (v. 17)
Notice what God does not say. He doesn’t say there will be no battle. He doesn’t say, “Stay home.” He says, “Go out,” but with a changed understanding. This is God’s fight.
Fear loosens its grip on our hearts when we stop carrying responsibility God never asked us to bear.
6. Put worship at the centre.
Jehoshaphat’s next move is unexpected. Of all people, he appoints singers. Muso’s!
“And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him…” (v. 21)
The musicians go out ahead of the army, declaring:
“Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
Worship isn’t background music or entertainment. It’s a purposeful, vocal, embodied declaration of trust. It reminds God’s people who He is when circumstances induce fear.
Leaders facing fear should pay attention to worship. Not as performance, but as spiritual leadership.
7. Act in faith, even while afraid.
Jehoshaphat doesn’t just pray and praise. He acts.
“Tomorrow go out against them…” (v. 17)
Faith isn’t the absence of fear. It’s trusting obedience in the presence of fear.
As Judah moves forward in worship and trust, God moves:
“The Lord set an ambush… and they were routed.” (v. 22)
God does the work they could not do themselves.
8. Expect God’s blessing and give Him the glory.
The victory is complete. The people gather the spoil. There is joy, relief, and gratitude.
“They returned… with joy, for the Lord had made them rejoice over their enemies.” (v. 27)
And the effects go beyond Judah:
“The fear of God came on all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel.” (v. 29)
When leaders respond to fear with faith, God is honoured not only within the church but beyond it.
Final encouragement
Fear will come. Attacks will happen. Bad news will land. But 2 Chronicles 20 shows us a better way forward. Seek God first. Gather others. Speak honestly. Listen for God’s voice. Worship boldly. Act in faith. Expect God to work. Give Him the glory.
You may not know what to do. That’s okay. Keep your eyes on Him.
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Your brother, Malcolm
