He Defeats the Enemy

“O Lord, God of our fathers,

are you not the God who is in heaven?

You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations.

Power and might are in your hand and no one can withstand you.”

2 Chronicles 20:6

 In the Old Testament book of 2 Chronicles, we find the most amazing story!  Judah was surrounded by all kinds of enemies; The Moabites, the Ammonites, and the Meunites were all getting ready to attack. The king of Judah, King Jehoshaphat felt frightened and overwhelmed. He had no idea what to do but immediately fell to his knees and began to pray.  The amazing thing about his prayer is that though he was freaking out because of the approaching armies, Jehoshaphat’s prayer began with praise! He boldly proclaims, Lord, “you rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand.”  Jehoshaphat then comes up with the craziest battle plan ever.  He sends the choir out in front of the army and instructs them to sing, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.”  (2 Chronicles 20:21) Don’t you wonder which section of the choir went out first; the altos, sopranos, tenors or basses?  Can you imagine if our president tried this in our war against terror?  Amazingly, as the choir began to sing and praise the Lord, the Lord sent ambushes against the enemy armies. By the time the army got to the top of the hill overlooking the battle field, all the enemies were dead!

 I find in this story a lesson for you and I in praise.  There will be times when the enemy of our soul, Satan seems to be attacking from every side.  He may sabotage our relationships, our health, our careers, our finances and our spiritual walks. When he goes on the attack, our natural response is panic.   What if instead, we turned our panic into praise? What if we dared to praise God in face of our enemy?  I have found in my own life when I start praising, Satan flees.   He cannot be victorious where the name of the Almighty God is being exalted. 

Today’s Challenge: 

Identify a significant problem that you are facing in your life at this moment.   Then begin to praise God that He power and might belong to Him.   Praise Him that He is good in spite of the problem. Praise Him that the problem you are facing is not catching Him by surprise.  Praise Him that His love endures forever. Praise Him that His ways are perfect and that His plans for you are good. (Jeremiah 29:11) Praise God that though the problem you are facing feels daunting, He is bigger and you don’t need to fear.  Praise Him that though you don’t know what to do, your eyes are on Him because He is wisdom. (2 Chronicles 20:12) Throughout this day every time you feel overwhelmed, or fearful, affirm your trust in God’s sovereignty out loud!