| Daily Inspirations: There's Power in Praise- How Praising God Won the Victory |
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Is praise really powerful? Can praise really do anything for me? Does it matter if I praise God or not?
Many people take for granite that praises hold a powerful effect, especially if they are directed toward God. Praise is one of the most powerful weapons, we as believers have because it can help us to make it through, over, and out of many, if not every situation we face.
In 2 Chronicles 20, we can see and learn how effective praise actually is to us as Christians. Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, had a real problem on his hands, the Moabites and their allies were coming together to attack Judah. Jehoshaphat, despite the rumors of the impending war, was not at all worried, instead he followed the orders given him by God. He prayed and asked the Lord to continue to take care of Judah as he had done in times past. Like many of us, Jehoshaphat was still humanly afraid because he was still a man and prone to the flesh, fear is always lurking.
Sadly, fear is what many times holds us as Christians captive. We let fear take control of our lives and keep us from being the mighty men and women that God intended us to be. God, knowing all of our weaknesses, is always there to help us. God sent his Spirit to console his people, Judah. The Word tells us that the Holy Spirit came and fell on a man named Jahaziel, while the people where yet standing around, Jahaziel began to proclaim that the people of Judah should not fear for the battle belonged to the Lord. Isn't that just like our God? Always coming right on time to fight our every battle and handle our every care. He went on to instruct the people of Judah, on tomorrow you will march out to face them, but you will not fight, just maintain your positions and see the power of God. JUST STAND STILL! There will be times that we have to stand still and let God work for us. We must follow His orders, let Him be exalted. We must realize that despite our emotions, minds, and pride is telling us that we can do this on our own; we are not capable of handling it. We must be still. Let go and let God!
After hearing what the Lord had to say, Jehoshaphat and his people, Judah, began to give God the praise. They began to give God the praise even before He complete the task (a yet praise). Christians need to realize that if we would only praise God, even before we see the results, we can put our faith to work and glorify God at the same time. Praise is not just a follow up to blessings we have already received, but praise is a constant reminder of the faith we have that God will do what He said he would do.
The following day Jehoshaphat and Judah set out to meet their enemies on the battle field. They were lead by men who were appointed to sing. Sing? Yes sing. and as these men lead the people singing their enemies began to fight amongst themselves. They fought each other until not one man was left standing. When the army of Judah finally reached the battle field all that was left were the bodies of their enemies lying on the ground. After three days of searching and finding only corpses, they began to praise God again. Rejoicing that the victory was won. God had given them the victory.
God gave Judah the strength they needed to face their enemies with joy, singing and praise. He gave them the ability to be at peace with what was to come, win or lose, and with that peace came great victory. The gives us the same thing today. If we just lean and depend on God for those things that come our way, whether it be enemies, bills, sickness, or just life's trials. If we just depend on God for all things. Praise God for what He has done, is doing, and is going to do, we can have the victory. There's true power in praising God. |
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