At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the LORD caused the armies of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves.
2 Chronicles 20:22 (NLT)
Praise is not my first response in the face of difficulties. My first instinct is to sigh rather than sing. When trials come, I’m more prone to whine than worship. Perhaps it’s because my focus is on the rescuing rather than on the Rescuer.
Jehoshaphat found himself in the throes of a major crisis as a vast army advanced on Judah. Not just one, not two, but three armies had united against him. Verse 3 tells us Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news. Yet in the face of one of the darkest days of his life, Jehoshaphat’s first reaction was to run to the LORD. He didn’t consult his military strategists. He didn’t prepare for battle. Instead, Jehoshaphat pleaded with God for guidance. Then he and the people held a worship service. Rather than sharpen their swords, they sang. Instead of panicking, they praised the One who had already assured them the victory.
Where did Jehoshaphat find such strength? Verse 20 provides the answer; “Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.” Jehoshaphat found his strength in the LORD and in His promises. His belief dictated his behavior.
So Jehoshaphat appointed singers to walk ahead of his army, singing to the LORD and praising Him. Foolish military tactic? Crazy, you say? Maybe for some, but not for Jehoshaphat. For He grasped the power of praise. Look at verse 22; “At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the LORD caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves.”
Satan cannot win where praise abounds. Praise summons the powers of heaven to fight on our behalf. Praise pushes back the darkness and paves the way for God to transform tragedy into victory. Like Jehoshaphat, praise should be our plan A rather than plan B.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your promises. May my focus remain on you and praise always be my go-to, no matter my circumstances, for in you I trust. Amen.