Monday Message
Praise On The Front Lines
I was reminded yesterday of one of the many ways God fights our battles for us. Sometimes we think that all our battles are ours to fight alone. We take on these burdens and try to fight, not realizing that the battle is not ours, it’s the Lord’s. The story in 2 Chronicles 20 describes how King Jehoshaphat was upset and worried when a powerful army came to attack him. Concerned, he did exactly what he was supposed to do – he turned to God. The Holy Spirit told him not to worry or be dismayed because the battle was not his – it was the Lord’s. God told Jehoshaphat to prepare for battle and march down to the battlefield in the morning because He would be with him. .
That’s pretty awesome, isn’t it? It’s like the big brother or sister who goes out to fight for you. Or the parent who stands up for you to another adult. But that’s not all. The story doesn’t end there. Objectively speaking, there are plenty of examples of when God was with His people in difficulties. But this time is different. This time, Jehoshaphat sends a chorus, singing praises to God, to march on the front line.
Wait, what?!
Yeah, that’s right. Instead of elite fighters, special ops, the ancient equivalent of Navy Seals, or Marines, he sends a choir. They might have been wondering if this fit their job description as they walked on, but the power they brought was more magnificent than slicing swords. Their songs of praise in times of trouble brought the full might of the Lord.
21 After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his[c] holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:
“Give thanks to the Lord,
for his love endures forever.”22 As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. 23
Verse 22 says, “As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set…“ AS THEY BEGAN TO PRAISE! Psalm 22:3 says that God inhabits the praises of His people. Verse 22 reminds us that when the people began to praise, God began to work!
Instead of fear, the forces lead with triumph, praise, and thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness to them. God didn’t tell them that there would be no injuries, no casualties, no cost. He said only, the battle is mine – go and meet them; I will be with you. So Jehoshephat decided to thank and praise God for the victory He had promised and prepared to meet the coming armies. By the time his men got there, the battle was already won. The enemy was defeated; there were only the bodies of the enemy and bountiful rewards. It says it took the men three days to carry off all of the valuables from the defeated armies.
Imagine that. Not only did God go ahead of them and defeat all three armies before Jehoshephat’s army even arrived, God also rewarded the praises of the people with so much blessing that instead of trials, they received treasure. Sounds like I need to spend more time singing God’s praises in my trials!
I know God is faithful. He’s shown me countless times.
His faithfulness is new every morning.
I have a testimony to tell about God’s faithfulness in my life – I’m sure you do too.
So, the message today isn’t to move fists first into life’s fights, but to proceed with the power of praise.
Have a blessed week and keep thriving!
