“After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: ‘Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.’” (2 Chronicles 20:21)
Worship is a powerful weapon, one that can turn the battle in your favor. When King Jehoshaphat faced the combined might of three different armies, he knew he was no match for them. So he turned to God, saying, “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” (v. 12). Here’s how God answered him: “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v. 15). Then God gave him an amazing strategy for victory. He told him to put a choir in front of his army and go into battle singing the praises of God. Can you imagine trying to explain that to the US Armed forces? They’d send you to a psychiatrist.
But Jehoshaphat did it: “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 if that blows your mind, read this: “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” (v. 22). Instead of attacking Judah, the three armies attacked one another. Israel never fired a shot, never took a casualty, and it took them three days to gather the spoils. So when you’re in a battle you can’t win, begin to praise God and the forces of heaven will come to your aid.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me remember that the battle belongs to You and I simply need to trust and acknowledge You are fighting the battle. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
