The Power of Praise

As I am currently reading in 2 Chronicles 20 about Jehoshaphat, I'm reminded of my greatest weapon in battle. As he was confronted by the armies that were set on total annhialation of him and his people, his first response was to call a fast and seek God for direction and protection. I love that his first thought wasn't to prepare his own army for battle. Even in the midst of his fear, he didn’t consider his own strength and wasn’t intimidated by his weakness, he raised his eyes and looked heavenward. The truth was, it was absolutely impossible for his small army to defeat the vast number of soldiers heading in their direction. Yet, confronted with total chaos... he chose to humble himself by fasting and looked to God as His only source of victory. The battle plan? To not allow themselves to be frightened, remain completely focused on worshipping God and allow Him to fight for them!

It's interesting to me that the very armies that were coming to attack God's people were the ones that God would not allow the Israelites to conquer when they came out of Egypt... hmmm...could it be that God preserved their enemy so that He could later use them to teach His children a valuable lesson on trusting and worshiping Him in the midst of their desperation? Could it be that the desperate situation you are facing is specifically designed to draw you closer to Jesus so that you too can experience His deliverance in a magnificent and miraculous way?

Stop trying to figure it out and fighting in your own strength. It only leads to exhaustion, anxiety and stress. Draw your strength from His presence as you give Him your complete attention and the praise and worship He deserves. Fast, believe and declare His promises then watch in amazement as He conquers the obstacles in your life! He loves you and He will fight for you as you surrender it to Him with complete trust and worship Him with total abandon.

I love the words of Jahaziel, "Position yourselves, stand firm and see the Salvation of the Lord!"

2 Peter 1:3 (AMP) For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

2 Chronicles 20:2-4 (NKJV) Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar” (which is En Gedi). And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.

2 Chronicles 20:10-12 And now, here are the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir—whom You would not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them and did not destroy them—here they are, rewarding us by coming to throw us out of Your possession which You have given us to inherit. O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”

2 Chronicles 20:15, 17 & 21-22 & 24 And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.You will not need to fight in this battle.Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.” And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: “Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever.” Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated. So when Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked toward the multitude; and there were their dead bodies, fallen on the earth. No one had escaped.