As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against those … who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.
2. Chronicles 20,22
Several nations had invaded Judah in order to destroy it. There were too many. Judah could not conquer them. But the king and the entire nation of Judah sought the Lord, they cried and fasted and gathered to ask God for help. The king prayed to God, the true King. And He spoke through a prophet: Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. And then the prophet gave some tips on how the battle should be won. The Levites already started singing, so certain were they that God would help. The following day God put the singers in front of the battle line; they sang: give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever. As they approached the enemy singing, the enemy landed in an ambush and was defeated. And then the enemies started battling one another, each infuriating the other. When the men of Judah came, all that was left for them to do was to pick up the loot;- for this they needed three days. On the fourth day they gathered together to praise the Lord, who had helped them so greatly. With songs of praise they entered Jerusalem, where they went to the house of the Lord. The fear of God took hold of all the neighbouring nations, so that Israel had peace.
So it is in the Kingdom of God: praise and thanks put God’s hand in motion. Praise fills our hearts with confidence and faith, and God answers with the proof of His glory: He helps His children.
When the battle was over, they did not simply go home. Instead, they celebrated the Lord;- they knew to whom they owed thanks. It was written down, so that nobody could ever forget it.
Let us adopt this strategy: let us praise and thank God in battle, then wait for His help. He fills our hearts with faith and trust, if we praise Him sincerely. He acts on our behalf and saves us. And we owe Him our gratitude! Some people make a note of God’s great deeds in a little booklet, so that they may be reminded of these in difficult times. God is great, His love endures forever over all who pray to Him sincerely!
Thank You, Father in Heaven. You are great and mighty, stronger than all my enemies put together! Yes, I turn to You for help and I praise You for the many times You have saved me!
Bible study for today: John 15,18-16,4