In this video listen to 2 Chronicles Chapter 20, read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.
In 2 Chronicles 20 Judah is attacked by an army coming from the desert, the area near the dead sea and south and west of there. Jehoshaphat calls the nation to prayer. It’s not often that a political leader calls a nation to prayer. This is what the King of England during the Dunkirk excavations in 1940. The series of events that saved the preserved 300,000 soldiers is nothing short of miraculous.
The outcome here in this chapter was also miraculous. The battle was the Lord’s, and they were commanded not to fight. The enemy ended up turning on themselves and slaughtering each other. But if the Israelites had fought, the Lord would not have fought. There are situations like this in our lives, where was take on things that the Lord is willing to carry for us. Walking with Christ helps us to know the difference.
This is a story of how the Lord defeated the enemies of Israel, and the people of God praised him. This is an incredible story, but is a lesson about the nature of spiritual warfare. So much of what comes against us today is defeated by thanksgiving and praise.
Merlin Carothers wrote a book “From Prison to Praise” about this topic. When depression, or a lack of motivation, or bitterness or other forces are against you, thanksgiving is a key weapon given by Christ. The evil one cannot handle the praise of Christ, and lifting up the Lord causes these other things to flee from him.