A Weapon That Conquers
Read 2 Chronicles 20:1–30. As Jehoshaphat discovered, praise is
a powerful weapon. After receiving the report that a “vast army” was
coming against him, Jehoshaphat did not immediately jump to military
action, but “resolved to inquire of the Lord” (2 Chron. 20:3, NIV). As
the people of Judah came to Jerusalem for a fast, Jehoshaphat admitted
the reality of the situation, saying that “ ‘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’ ” (2 Chron. 20:12, NIV).
When you see a “vast army” approaching, what is your instinctive
reaction? From Jehoshaphat’s response in 2 Chronicles 20:3–12,
what can you learn about dealing with overwhelming opposition?
As the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, he boldly announced:
“ ‘ “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions;
stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and
Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face
them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you” ’ ” (2 Chron. 20:17,
NIV). After that, they worshiped God and sang praises to Him “with a
very loud voice” (2 Chron. 20:19, NIV). Even though God was going
to fight for them, they still had to go out to face the enemy.
But this was no ordinary march to war. Jehoshaphat appointed a
choir to sing praises to the Lord as they marched out. “As they began
to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon
and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were
defeated” (2 Chron. 20:22, NIV). According to the author, God inter-
vened at the very moment they exercised their faith in His promise, as they
began to “praise him for the splendor of his holiness” (2 Chron. 20:21,
NIV).
Read through the texts for today again. What spiritual principles
can you find there that can apply to your own walk with God,
especially in times of trial and stress?
