A SONG OF VICTORY
Read it
2 Chronicles 20:21
After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.”
Discover It
In the second chapter of 2 Chronicles, we read about the troubles of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. He was a godly ruler, but had been informed of a vast international army that was arrayed together and on the march towards his kingdom. Alarmed, the people came to Jerusalem (Judah’s capital city). How would Jehoshaphat stop this insurmountable foe?
His response would not be a good tactical strategy, but it was an eternally effective spiritual strategy. First, he called on the people to fast and pray. As the people gathered together, Jehoshaphat led them in prayer. And then the Spirit came down and a prophet named Jahaziel gave them the word of the Lord saying, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow march down against them. You will not have to fight this battle.” (2 Chronicles 20:17)
Early the next morning, Jehoshaphat, emboldened in his faith, told the people his plan: “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” (2 Chronicles 20:20) And then, “Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.” (2 Chronicles 20:21). And as they began to sing and praise, the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir began to turn on each other in confusion. They annihilated one another and God won a great victory through praise!
Ask It
1. To prevail in battle, Jehoshaphat prayed and fasted and “consulted the people.” How does seeking wise counsel help you to win the difficult battles that come your way?
2. The next thing King Jehoshaphat did was to appoint men to go out in front of the army singing and worshiping the Lord. What does this show us about the king’s priorities?
3. As the people began to sing and praise, the opposing army turned and annihilated each other in their confusion. What does this teach us about the priority of prayer and worship in winning our struggles?
Live It
1. Bring others into your battle. Other Godly people can help. Get in a small group!
2. Make prayer and worship the first thing you do, not the last resort! Seek the Lord first and foremost and He will supply everything else you need (Matthew 6:33).
3. Call on God to fight for you. We can’t do it alone. We need the Lord and other Christians to help us with the battle!
Pray It
“So when I fight, I'll fight on my knees, With my hands lifted high, Oh God, the battle belongs to You, And every fear I lay at Your feet, I'll sing through the night, Oh God, the battle belongs to You.” (Song by Phil Wickham)
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