“And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.”
2 Chr. 20:22
Discussion
Think about these honest but grossly unfounded statements by some of our beloved brethren; 'the only thing God eats is praise, so give God His food'...'praise moves the hand of God'...'when praises go up, blessings come down', etc. I'm not even going to spend time scripturally demolishing these statements. Let's just focus on what the bible teaches. Firstly, when we praise God, we're calling to mind His wondrous works and telling forth His glorious deeds. Ps.107.8; "Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" What are some of His wonderful works to men? Ps.107.9; "For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness." Also Ps.107.16; "For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder." These and more He has done, so the bible admonishes us to; Ps.107.22; "...sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing." And so, this is what king Jehoshaphat did when he was faced with the brutal armies of three deadly nations; Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir. He put singers ahead of the troop, and as they sang praises to God, the Lord supernaturally defeated the enemy nations (2Chr.20.22). Hallelujah! Reading the entire story, you'll discover that it wasn't praise that brought about the victory; it was faith in God.
The prophetic word had come forth. 2Chr.20.14-17; "Then upon Jahaziel...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...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." The command wasn't to praise God, but that they will not need to fight in this war. Thus, Jehoshaphat acted in faith. Faith in God's word. He praised God because he believed God's word. Praising God isn't a way to bribe God to do something for you. Praising Him is because you believe His word and His ability to bring it to pass. When you praise God, your mind switches from focusing on the problem to focusing on God's infinite ability. Don't worry anymore, praise God today! Shalom!
Action
Think about what God has said to you concerning that matter. Sing praises to Him today for His mighty works. Expect great miracles!