AMBUSHED BY PRAISE
/ “My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor
all day long.” (Psalm 71:8)
We don’t need research or statistics to tell us that troubles, stress, and struggles are at an all-time high: financial woes, work pressures, relationship difficulties, rapid & uncontrollable political and economic crises – to name a few realities.
The troubles of this world are not going away, but we CAN be overcomers in Jesus.
”I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”. (John 16:33)
How is it possible to be peaceful on the inside when your soul is in turmoil and your circumstances threaten to take you under?
The answer to this question is found right in God’s Word!
In 2 Chronicles chapter 20, we find the story – THE TRUE STORY – of King Jehoshaphat who got news that an overwhelming allied army of several nations was advancing quickly his way to take over the nation of Judah.
Impossible situation? Yes! Likelihood of annihilation? Yes!
Knowing that the situation was fierce and terrifying, and that there was NO HOPE without God, King J turned to The One he knew and trusted.
Shaken, Jehoshaphat prayed. O God…are you not God in heaven above and ruler of all kingdoms below? You hold power and might in your fist – no one stands a chance against you! We are helpless before this horde ready to attack us. We don’t know what to do; we’re looking to you. (Message paraphrase)
In answer to that prayer, God gave the king encouragement through one of their own, a prophet who received revelation from the LORD about the circumstance that lay before them.
Don’t be afraid; don’t pay any mind to this vandal horde. This is God’s war,
not yours.
He further instructed them to PRAISE at the top of their lungs. Fortified in spirit, King Jehoshaphat instructed the people to BELIEVE firmly in God, praising Him as they stepped toward the war zone with two powerful weapons in their arsenal. . .
PRAISE AND BELIEF!
Leading the troops was a “choir for GOD” dressed in holy robes singing the entire time, Give thanks to GOD. His love never quits.
As the praises began, God set an ambush against the mighty army ready to attack Judah. With the CHORUS OF PRAISE as the holy backdrop, God confused the enemy – defeating them by causing them to turn on each other rather than on the army of Judah.
PLAN OF ACTION RELEASING GOD’S POWER
God’s children cried out in desperation.
Believing that He would hear and protect them from their enemy, they began praising Him continually and wholeheartedly.
God ambushed the enemy and gave them VICTORY.
QUESTIONS TO PONDER
Are you in a desperate struggle right now?
Like King Jehoshaphat, are you turning to The One you trust to take care of this situation?
Can you – Will you – lay your worry down and begin to praise Him whole-heartedly and continually?
FURTHER STUDY
We will continue with this Praise Project in the next devotion. Meantime, I encourage you to read, study, and meditate on 2 Chronicles 20. Visit a variety of translations and read through commentaries. Make it real and practical as you lean into God’s Heart to receive a new revelation about praising Him during the storm.
PRAYING WITH YOU
Dear Father, I want to learn more about the Wonderful Power released through PRAISE. Help me to understand from Your Word what this means and how I can walk in victory. Amen.
Loving, Studying, and Praising,
Cindi