The Bible teaches us about the power of praise, and I have experienced it firsthand in my own life. Today, we are looking at an Old Testament story from 2 Chronicles 20:1-24 about the power of praise.
We need to remember to take the Old Testament and relate it to our lives from a spiritual standpoint. In other words, what was a physical reality for the people of the Old Testament? We can apply their physical realities to our lives spiritually. In this particular story, we see that Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, and the people of Judah (God’s people) had a real physical enemy coming against them and surrounding them. We, too, have a real spiritual enemy that comes against us, and sometimes in life, we realize that our enemy surrounds us.
The Bible tells us that Jehoshaphat feared the battle, yet he focused on God. The reality is when the enemy comes against us; our natural inclination is fear. However, what we do with that fear hugely impacts our outcome. Following the example Jehoshaphat set for us sets us up for victory. While he feared the enemy coming against him and his people, he set his focus in another direction.
2 Chronicles 20:12. This verse reminds us of what we need to do when we realize our spiritual enemy has himself and his minions to attack us in some area of our lives.
”O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You."
2 Chronicles 20:12
Our Focus is Key
Yes, Jehoshaphat experienced fear when he heard the enemy set out to attack, but he turned his focus to God rather than staying focused on the battle ahead. Focus is key when the battle comes because our natural tendency is to focus on the enemy and how he is working. We need to determine and demand intentionally our focus remain on the Lord.
Several years ago I faced a battle at work. Every outward appearance was that the situation was surrounded with darkness, with the enemy systematically destroying the credibility and favour He had provided for me (Remember in John 10:10, he only comes to steal, kill and destroy). When I looked at the situation, I saw sure defeat. Every day I waited for a call to come and collect my P45.
I was in a fight for reputation, fruitfulness and destiny. The enemy surrounded me. But I fought, day and night, on my knees and sometimes on my face.
At times fear threatened to overtake me. When I focused on the situation, hopelessness & defeat ruled my mind. When I focused on the Lord, truth, hope, & victory overcame my fears & my faith was strengthened.
Notice the plural personal pronounsWE, US, and OURin 2 Chronicles 20:12.
”For WE have no power against this great multitude that is coming against US;
nor do WE know what to do, but OUR eyes are upon You."
2 Chronicles 20:12
We came through, a surprising champion came to the call, my character was not besmirched, my credibility was upheld, and the fruitfulness of God's provision was clear.
Powered by praise
The Bible teaches us about the power of praise, and I have experienced it firsthand in my own life. Today, we are looking at an Old Testament story from 2 Chronicles 20:1-24 about the power of praise.
We need to remember to take the Old Testament and relate it to our lives from a spiritual standpoint. In other words, what was a physical reality for the people of the Old Testament? We can apply their physical realities to our lives spiritually. In this particular story, we see that Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, and the people of Judah (God’s people) had a real physical enemy coming against them and surrounding them. We, too, have a real spiritual enemy that comes against us, and sometimes in life, we realize that our enemy surrounds us.
The Bible tells us that Jehoshaphat feared the battle, yet he focused on God. The reality is when the enemy comes against us; our natural inclination is fear. However, what we do with that fear hugely impacts our outcome. Following the example Jehoshaphat set for us sets us up for victory. While he feared the enemy coming against him and his people, he set his focus in another direction.
2 Chronicles 20:12. This verse reminds us of what we need to do when we realize our spiritual enemy has himself and his minions to attack us in some area of our lives.
”O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You."
2 Chronicles 20:12
Our Focus is Key
Yes, Jehoshaphat experienced fear when he heard the enemy set out to attack, but he turned his focus to God rather than staying focused on the battle ahead. Focus is key when the battle comes because our natural tendency is to focus on the enemy and how he is working. We need to determine and demand intentionally our focus remain on the Lord.
Several years ago I faced a battle at work. Every outward appearance was that the situation was surrounded with darkness, with the enemy systematically destroying the credibility and favour He had provided for me (Remember in John 10:10, he only comes to steal, kill and destroy). When I looked at the situation, I saw sure defeat. Every day I waited for a call to come and collect my P45.
I was in a fight for reputation, fruitfulness and destiny. The enemy surrounded me. But I fought, day and night, on my knees and sometimes on my face.
At times fear threatened to overtake me. When I focused on the situation, hopelessness & defeat ruled my mind. When I focused on the Lord, truth, hope, & victory overcame my fears & my faith was strengthened.
Notice the plural personal pronouns WE, US, and OUR in 2 Chronicles 20:12.
”For WE have no power against this great multitude that is coming against US;
nor do WE know what to do, but OUR eyes are upon You."
2 Chronicles 20:12
We came through, a surprising champion came to the call, my character was not besmirched, my credibility was upheld, and the fruitfulness of God's provision was clear.