Yet You are holy,
O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel.

– Psalm 22:3

Praise

Is the golden elixir of the soul.

It oils our rusty relationship with God.

It reaches beyond our fears to the Deliverer.

Praise

conquers kingdoms,

hearts,

and attitudes.

Praise destroys our enemies.

When it looked as if the people of Judah were going to be crushed by an overwhelming invasion of their enemies, King Jehoshaphat knew where to run. He proclaimed a fast throughout the land, gathered together with the people in Jerusalem before the Lord, and prayed for deliverance. God answered him with these words:

Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not your but God’s.

Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, put your trust in the LORD your God and you will be established.

– 2 Chronicles 20:15; 20

Early the next morning, Jehoshaphat and his army went out to meet the opposing forces. He put the singers ahead of the army. As they began singing and praising God, the Lord set ambushes ahead for their enemies. Jehoshaphat didn’t know that as they marched toward the battleground, two groups of their enemies had already fought each other to the death.

When Judah’s army reached a wilderness lookout, they found no fearsome army. All they saw in the valley below them were the corpses of their enemies.

Scattered at their feet.

Are you overwhelmed by circumstances?

Do the accusations of the enemy threaten to destroy you? Are you tired of living in defeat? Do you need deliverance today?

Meet God in the holy place. Sing His praises and recall every memorial stone along your journey with Him. Praise Him in your place of weakness. I promise that He will meet you there.

You will not be overcome.

 

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.

– Isaiah 43:2