Power in Praise

I imagine we all know we’re supposed to praise God for things – both the good and the bad (Phil 4:4). But are you aware there is power in doing it? And not just because it changes our perspective and puts our eyes squarely on Him instead of our blessings or difficulties.

My favorite Biblical example of this is tucked away in II Chronicles 20. Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, disobediently allied himself with Ahab, the wicked King of Israel, and was rebuked for it. After this, he turned his attention and efforts once again to bringing his people back to the Lord (II Chron 19:4). Next, as often occurs, opposition came with a vengeance. It was in the form of a large-scale, pending attack. Jehoshaphat sought the Lord, as did the whole nation. God answered them with these words:

…Thus says the Lord to you, 'Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's. 16 Tomorrow go down against them. …17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.' Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you." (II Chron 20:15-17 ESV)

The next day, King Jehoshaphat did something astounding. Some might say reckless and ridiculous. All would agree it was a terrible battle tactic. He put the choir in front of the army (II Chron 20:21)! I know very little about military maneuvers, but understand you don’t put singers in front of soldiers when you head into war. And yet:

…when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed. 23 For the men of Ammon and Moab rose against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction, and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they all helped to destroy one another. 24 When Judah came to the watchtower of the wilderness, they looked toward the horde, and behold, there were dead bodies lying on the ground; none had escaped. (II Chron 20:22-24 ESV)

What battles are you facing today? What trials or decisions keep you up at night? Are you praising God in and for them? If not, what are you waiting for? There is great power in praise!!

Just something that wows and humbles me along the way.