Starts and Ends With Praise
I recently read a story in 2 Chronicles chapter 20; the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites (some of these names might go with my tongue one day); they plan on banding together to attack Jehoshaphat, the King of Israel at the time. Some guys come and deliver this news to the King! He gets alarmed but the first thing he does is to inquire of the Lord. So he goes to the temple and in front of the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, he begins reminding God of his promises and goodness;
“Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. 7 Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? 2 Chronicles 20:6–7.
Jehoshaphat goes on and on about the great and mighty things that God has done in the past and then presents his issue; he says the sweetest thing: For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” 2Chronicles 20:11. Remarkable! Every time I read this part, I always feel a lump forming in my throat triggering the tear glands for some action.
And God responds immediately! Through Jahaziel, God tells Jehoshaphat and his people “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” He then gives them clues on how win the battle.- They don’t put their strong men forward, have extra arrows and bows. On the contrary, they put their best dancers at the forefront, followed by the worship leaders, the backup vocalists, the violinists, electric and acoustic guitarists, piano- however the praise procession is arranged. I can almost hear their sweet harmonies to their loving God, thanking him for his goodness. The moment they begin to sing, the Lord sets ambushes against their enemies and they destroy themselves- not even one survives!
While reading this portion, it occurred to me that the devil does not need a special occasion to throw darts at you. You can just wake up, lay your bed- get a ruler to even out the corners, order for your favorite rolex and unpleasant news finds you or you wake up with a strange ailment. What is your first reaction when such happens? Call your girlfriends for a crying date? Order for a box of wine? Go on a revenging spree?
The best way forward is to inquire of the Lord, and be in the know of the promises that he has given you and the battles he has won for you so that you will stand firm, assured of victory. The Lord is available 24/7and he’s waiting to have communion with you, even when there is a battle so you don’t have to worry or fight.