Just stand strong in your places, and you will see the Lord save you. Judah and Jerusalem, don’t be afraid or discouraged, because the Lord is with you. So go out against those people tomorrow.
2 Chronicles 20:17 (NCV)
If ever three words were applicable for today it would be our opening words Just stand strong, which is great advice in this lockdown.
Those three words were once told to another Israel leader in 1273 B.C. His name was Joshua. Before he was about to lead a seven-year conquest of many battles the advice was “Just stand strong”.
In every situation we face in life those three words are more easily said than done. What made Jehoshaphat act on those three words is found in verse 20 “Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be upheld; believe in His prophets, and you will succeed.” You see as I have been saying for the last few weeks all we need is Faith.
We have noticed how real Jehoshaphat had been with God and how he reminded himself and God it was beyond him to save this nation. God said ok leave it with me. I just need your full cooperation. Just keep your eyes fixed on me.
We stand strong not because we have been to the gym, pumped-up muscles, but because we have made a decision as followers of Jesus to do just that, follow!!
Now that for Jehoshaphat would surely have brought some discussion with his military leaders. The plan guys is this, the first line of attack is no soldiers, cannons, artillery of any kind, bows and arrows included. Instead, the singers go first, send the worship team into the front line.
I am not sure of my reaction if I was a singer, hearing the news I am on the front line to meet this army Jehoshaphat says is unbeatable. Must have misheard the orders surely.
I have read the speech that Queen Elizabeth 1 made, words like “I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too etc. to rally the army for battle. What was Jehoshaphat’s speech?
Praise
The combination we have talked on this week, praise and prayer. Well, prayer has been done, now for the praise, so this is his rallying cry…….
And when he had consulted with the people, Jehoshaphat said “We don’t have the power to deal with the circumstances of our lives so obviously the battle isn’t ours, but God’s! “You shall not need to fight in this battle; take your position, stand still, and see the deliverance of the Lord”.
Jehoshaphat then appointed singers to sing and give praise to the Lord and march into battle. And when they began to sing Praise the LORD; for his mercy is forever, the LORD set an ambush against the children of Ammon and Moab who were coming against Judah; and they were smitten. The resulting victory
When we praise God, we release a song in our hearts, and we are offering Him a throne to sit upon in our presence. In hard times learn to sing and praise and expect God to show up! It is essential as followers of Jesus that we know how to praise the Lord because as we praise Him we cultivate an atmosphere for Him to come.
Praise releases the power of God
Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.
Psalms 50:23
The word ‘salvation’ here in the OT, as well as the NT, refers to more than just the salvation of the soul. It refers to wholeness, being at peace, being complete. So when we praise him the power of God is released, He will show us His salvation, He will come and deliver us, set us free. That is what Jehoshaphat did and the result a victory.
Read Jonah 2:9-10 and see how he was delivered. As he praised the whale vomited Jonah onto dry ground.
God responds to praise. Don’t wait until all conditions and circumstances are favourable, but offer a thanksgiving of praise because God is worthy.
We were created to sing God’s praise, therefore, may we enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. There is power in singing to the Lord.
You see if Jehoshaphat had tried to understand the plan and purpose of God he would probably never have had the victory. We are to pray, trust, and praise Him and then watch God work in our situations.
God wants your fears, your thoughts, your love, your dreams, your friends etc. Don’t just give God pieces of your life, give Him all and expect God to deliver you.
Just stand strong!!!!!!!!!!