“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.’”
– 2 Chronicles 20:21
![]() After Jahaziel prophesied that Judah would win over the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mt. Seir, King Jehoshaphat and his troops marched into war. However, instead of going entrenched in gear and combat strategy, they moved toward their enemies worshipping the Lord. So certain were they that God would make good on His promise to deliver them that they were confident enough to thank Him before it happened. And while we tend to think of conflict and struggle as solemn, the truth is that our greatest battles are often won from a posture of joyful praise. No matter how dire things look, the King of Heaven is on our side, and this means that the outcome is already in His hands. Even if circumstances aren’t playing out the way we think they should, he invites us to lift our voice in thanksgiving, because He knows exactly how it ends. He prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies, and this means that we have nothing to fear. While we may feel like we’re surrounded on all sides, the best way out is to look up, because our Redeemer’s banner of love gives us certain victory! He beckons us to plant our feet, stand still, and watch Him do more than we can ask for, think, or imagine through a heart of wonder and worship. My friend, praise precedes your victory! It might seem like there’s no way out of your current struggle, but I promise you, God has already authored the perfect solution. When you override feelings of doubt and fear and encourage yourself to worship instead, a floodgate of divine possibility will open to you. As you lift your soul to your Savior and thank Him for what you cannot see, He will do exceedingly, abundantly more than you can ask for or think and thereby point the watching world to the magnitude of His perfect love! |
Prayer
Jesus, teach me to praise you, not just when I’m excited, but when I’m uncertain and unafraid.
Reflection
Is there a battle you’re in today that you need to worship your way through? How can you start right now?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
2 Responses
THANK YOU, TEAM BOBBY!
YOUR MESSAGE DIRECTLY HELPS ME TO CHANGE FROM A PATTERN OF “FIGHTING AGAINST OTHER’S TO SHOW I AM A CHRIST PERSON, TO A PATTERN OF THANKFUL PRAISE TO ‘WIN THE BATTLE’!”
THANK YOU, FOR REACHING ME!! ….ONCE AGAIN!!!
-BILL KELLEY
Great encouragement for a soul that is so tired.