SONGS OF VICTORY – Pastor Chris
Friday, August 10, 2018
…Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s (2 Chronicles 20:15).
In 2 Chronicles 20, we read something inspiring that King Jehoshaphat did when Judah was besieged by enemy nations. He and the armies of Judah were completely out-numbered, and in his own words, he admitted Judah’s vulnerability, but not without seeking help from the Lord. He prayed, “O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee” (2 Chronicles 20:12).
Then, verses 14-17 tell us something beautiful: “Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah…came the Spirit of the Lord…And he said, …Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow go ye down against them….Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the Lord will be with you.”
Those were the Lord’s comforting and assuring words to Jehoshaphat. But notice the next thing Jehoshaphat did, in readiness to confront the invading army: he appointed singers unto the Lord, to praise the beauty of Holiness, chanting, “…Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever” (2 Chronicles 20:21). This was a song of victory.
As they went on singing and marching towards the enemy’s camp, the Bible declares that “…the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten” (2 Chronicles 20:22). When Judah’s army came in from behind the singers, their entire assailants had perished, having destroyed one another. Jehoshaphat, with his army, simply took the spoil without a fight! This was an unusual strategy, and it’s for our learning.
Our songs of worship and praise, in the face of daunting circumstances, spell defeat for the adversary. It doesn’t matter how severe you think the challenge is; praise and worship the Lord from His Word of victory. Regardless of the might of the adversary and adversities, never give up! Sing songs of victory. Hallelujah!
PRAYER
Thank you Father, for you’ve made me an overcomer in this world and set me on a perpetual victory parade, with songs of victory in my mouth! I’m full of might and ability to face and surmount life’s challenges, to the glory and praise of your Name, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY: Psalm 149:1-6; 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 MSG
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Romans 12:1-16 & Psalms 85-88
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Philippians 1:15-22 & Isaiah 61
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