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As we continue looking to 2 Chronicles 20 as our guide we see the final weapon in King Jehosaphat’s battle plan: Praise and Worship.
Jehosaphat has just cried out to God asking him what to do, God answers, and immediately we see that Jehosaphat and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem bowed down before the Lord and worshiped him and the Levites stood up to praise the Lord God shouting with a loud voice. When in the midst of a battle the people put themselves in a posture of worship and praise.
Sometimes the last thing we feel like doing when we are faced with a battle is to worship God. Yet this is the very thing that brought victory and the very thing that God invites you to when you are feeling the heat of pending defeat. As my friend Becky says, turn your panic into praise!
2 Chronicles 20:20-22 continues:
“Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” 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.”
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.”
Praise is what defeated the enemy.
This reminds me of one of my favorite worship songs.
“I raise a hallelujah, in the presence of my enemies.
I raise a hallelujah, louder than the unbelief.
I raise a hallelujah, my weapon is a melody.
I raise a hallelujah, Heaven comes to fight for me.
I raise a hallelujah, with everything inside of me.
I raise a hallelujah, I will watch the darkness flee.
I raise a hallelujah, in the middle of the mystery.
I raise a hallelujah, fear you lost your hold on me!”
When you are facing life’s battles, your weapon is a melody.
Praise God in the middle of the battle. Praise Jesus in the middle of the storm.
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