Praise Wins the Battle
… and when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the enemy.
Sometimes life may seem peaceful for a while, and you may even progress in the right direction. But then, all of a sudden, opposition mounts up against you and you find yourself battling multiple enemies. That was what it was like in Israel in Jehoshaphat’s day. They fasted and prayed, and then received these instructions.
Jahaziel the prophet declared, “Listen, everyone, this is what the Lord says; ‘Do not be distressed or frightened by the huge army that has come against you. This is God’s battle, not yours. Go out against them, but you will not need to fight; set yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, for the Lord is with you.” When forces join together to oppose you, don’t be afraid. Not because God is on your side, but because YOU are on HIS! It's His battle to win, so stand still and watch his victory.
Jehoshaphat the king commanded, “Listen to me. Believe the Lord your God and you will be established. Believe his prophets and you will prosper.” Then he appointed singers with instructions to praise the Lord in the beauty of His holiness. So, they went before the army saying, ‘Praise the Lord; for his mercy endures forever’. With faith, we receive when we believe. In faith, we already see the battle won. Our part is not to fight in the battle, but to praise God for the victory before the battle is complete because He has already won it.
And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord sent a surprise attack against their enemies, and they were beaten. They turned on one another until the last of them was destroyed; none escaped. God always leads us into victory because of our faith in Jesus' finished work. He turns the tables on our enemies because all power and authority are His. When enemies gather against you, don’t be afraid. Stand in faith, lift your voice with a song, and watch God turn things around.
Read: 2 Chronicles 19 and 20
Listen: Great is the Lord (Hallelujah)