November 8, 2018 - - II Chronicles 20:20-21 - - Fighting battles

So they rose early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.” And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying:

“Praise the Lord,

For His mercy endures forever.”

II Chronicles 20:20-21 NKJV

What a strange picture this is! The armies of three nations, plus hired mercenaries, were gathered against King Jehoshaphat. The king urged the people to believe in God and trust God's prophets. Then, after consulting the people, he appointed singers to lead the army! It is an army praising God. You'd think the singers would be, I don't know, canon fodder for the enemy to cut down.

Instead, the singers, captivated by the beauty of the LORD, and aware of His terrible holiness--before which sinners cannot stand--praised the LORD. The LORD fought and the army choirs led the soldiers into battle only to find the enemy armies were fighting against themselves and there was a great slaughter. Not one enemy soldier remained alive.The LORD, Whose mercies endure forever, fought and gained the victory for His people.

Whatever battle you face this day: physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual--sing praises to our God. He is faithful. He is promise-keeping. The Word promises: Greater is He Who is in you, than he who is in the world. The devil was disarmed and defeated at the cross of Jesus. Sing your praises to the LORD and fix your heart on the beauty of His holiness.

We praise You, O LORD,

For Your mercy endures forever.

We bless Your Name, Lord Jesus Christ,

For Your mercy endures forever.

We praise You, O Spirit of Truth,

For Your mercy endures forever.

Amen.