Good morning, church! How are you doing today? I’ve been praying that you are you doing well during this time.
I would like to share something with you that will help you handle the stress of having to deal with all the changes because of this virus. Quite frankly, what I am going to share with you will work during any season of life, virus or not.
I would like to share with you the benefits and the power of praise. These 7 benefits come from an article I read that was based on a sermon given by a pastor in the Atlanta area. His message was based on 2 Chronicles 20 where we see Jehoshaphat going to battle against Moab and Ammon.
1. Praise gets our focus off ourselves and back on God.
2. Praise brings us to a place of humility.
3. Praise makes the enemy run.
4. Praise leaves no room for complaining.
5. Praise makes room for God’s blessing.
6. Praise invites God’s presence.
7. Praise paves the way for God’s power and brings refreshment to our hearts and minds.
2 Chronicles 20 is a great chapter displaying God’s goodness, and greatness, to His people. The armies that were coming against Jehoshaphat were huge and were pretty much unstoppable. In the verses leading up to verse 12, Jehoshaphat is pleading with God asking all the “why” and “how” questions. And in verse 12, Jehoshaphat says, “we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” Have you ever been at a place in life where you just didn’t know what to do and all you could do was turn your eyes to Jesus?
In verse 15 the Spirit is telling Jahaziel not to be afraid or discouraged because of this huge army bearing down on you. And then he says this, “the battle is not yours, but God’s.” Can you imagine the collective relief that came across these people? I know I felt relieved for them just reading about their experience. Let me ask you; have you ever tried to fight a battle that isn’t yours, but the Lord’s? This takes me to benefit #2. I’ve got this one, God! I know exactly what to do. I’ll give you a shout if I get stuck. How many battles have we fought that we really didn’t need to, only to make things worse than if we would have just let God fight the battle to begin with? Now I know we are not fighting the kind of battle that Jehoshaphat was up against, but we all have battles we face in this life, and I believe one of our biggest weapons is praise.
As we finish up the story of this battle in 2 Chronicles, we see that Jehoshaphat assembled a team of musicians and sent them out at the head of the army. The started singing and praising the Lord. While this was happening, the Bible tells us in verse 22 that God set up ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mt. Seir. What ultimately happened was they ended up fighting on another and killing each other. When the men of Judah went to the place that overlooks the desert and looked towards the vast army, all they saw were dead bodies. They didn’t even have to lift a sword to fight in order to win the battle. God had taken care of it for them.
Where is your focus? Is it on the battle you are facing? Loss of job, sickness, finances, family issues. Whatever battle you are facing, I encourage you to place your focus on God and let Him fight the battle. He wants to! What does He want us to do? Bow down in praise and thanksgiving for who He is, what He’s done, and what He’s going to do and lift a song of praise!
I have added a song that we started singing recently. It’s called Raise A Hallelujah. Take a listen to it. Enjoy the song and be blessed by it. Then go back and listen to it again and raise your hallelujah to the King! I love the line in the song that says, “my weapon is a melody.” Next time you are facing that unwinnable battle, never underestimate the power of praise!
I love you, church! Praying for you always.
Tim Fus
Pastor of Worship Ministries