In any struggle we face, praise can provide a path to victory. When problems are viewed as opportunities to praise God and see Him go to work, amazing things can happen. 

Perhaps no record shows this greater than 2 Chronicles 20:1-26—the story of King Jehoshaphat, who encountered a big problem and praised his way to victory. 

Here’s a quick paraphrase of the story:

A great multitude of the enemy was readying themselves for battle against the King and his people. With no obvious solution in sight, Jehoshaphat ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting and coming together to seek the Lord’s help in the situation. 

Jehoshaphat recalled God’s power and might, and past experiences of His deliverance. Before any battle even began, he offered praises to God, beseeching His help, and declaring that He is able. 

Jehoshaphat poured out his heart to God, declaring that the enemy was trying to steal the possessions He had given them. With humble devotion the king cried out, admitting they didn’t have the knowledge, resources, or strength to defeat the mighty army set to attack them. 

As the people gathered together in praise and prayer, the Spirit of the Lord came upon them, declaring, “don’t be discouraged by this mighty army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 

They were told to take their positions on the battlefield the next day, then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. 

What courage and trust! But even more impressive is what the King did next. 

Jehoshaphat appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing songs to the Lord and praising Him for His holy splendor. They headed onto the battlefield singing, “Give thanks to the LORD; His faithful love endures forever.” (verse 21)

The record goes on to say that when they began to sing praises, the Lord caused the enemy troops to start fighting among themselves—to the end they all perished and not one escaped! 

When King Jehoshaphat and his men went out to gather the plunder, they found huge amounts of equipment, clothing, and other valuables—so much that it took them three days to collect it all! 

They marched into Jerusalem to the sound of music, continuing to praise God for the deliverance He had brought. 

Amazing, huh? So what can we learn from this? 

Jehoshaphat didn’t turn to God as a last resort, after trying everything else, like many of us do. He didn’t have a cocky attitude that he could handle life on his own. At the first sign of trouble, he humbly sought the Lord’s help, admitting that he was powerless, and that God was able. 

He reminded himself of the times he’d seen God work in the past, trusting that He could deliver yet again. As the people’s hearts turned to God in humbled, praise-filled expectation, enlisting His protection, God gave them a promise: follow My directions, trust Me, I will deliver. 

As they entered into battle, they continued praising Him. How often do we immerse ourselves in the tasks at hand, with little or no thought of praising and thanking God for the blessings He will bring? 

The record of Jehoshaphat shows us that God’s promises and songs of praise are powerful tools in spiritual warfare and in worship.

Praise brings us into His presence and onto the path of victory!

Copyright © 2015 Cheryl Elton 

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