BATTLE PRAISE

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS

365 DEVOTIONS FROM OUR DAILY BREAD

BATTLE PRAISE

READ:  2 Chronicles 20:1-22

When they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against

the people…who had come against Judah.  2 Chronicles 20:22

Visitors to the Military Museum in Istanbul, Turkey, can hear stirring music that dates back to the early years of the Ottoman Empire.  Whenever their troops marched off to war, bands accompanied them.

Centuries earlier, worship singers led the people of Judah into battle, but there was a big difference.  Whereas the Ottomans used music to instill self-confidence in their soldiers, the Jews used it to express their confidence in God.

Threatened by huge armies, King Jehoshaphat of Judah knew that his people were powerless to defend themselves.  So he cried out to God for help (2 Chronicles 20:12).  The Lord’s answer came through Jahaziel, who said, “Do not be afraid nor dismayed…for the battle is not yours, but God’s “ (v. 15).

Jehoshaphat responded by worshiping and then by appointing singers to lead the army (vv. 18, 21).  As the people sang, “Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever,” God confused the invaders and they killed one another (vv. 22-24).

No matter what battles we may face today, the Lord will help us when we cry out to Him.  Instead of retreating in fear, we can march ahead with confidence in God’s power and sing praise to Him.   JAL

Praise is the voice of faith.