Sometimes God comes through in answer to our cry in unexpected ways. But, when he responded to Jehoshaphat’s cry he told him,” This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow march out against them, take your positions, then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory.” Personally, the “standing still” would have been difficult! But, we must follow the instruction! And, it continued, “God is with you. O people of Judah and Jerusalem, do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”
At this point, I would have been so grateful. Just knowing that God was behind them instilled faith, courage, trust and willingness to obey all instruction! So, what did they do? ” Then King Jehoshaphat bowed low with his face to,the ground. And all the people of Judah and Jerusalem did the same, worshiping the Lord. Then the Levites stood to praise the Lord with a very loud shout!”
Can you imagine the powerful strength of that worship, by faith! It must have been glorious! The next morning, King Jehoshaphat told the people on their way to the wilderness, “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets and you will succeed.”
After consulting the people Jehoshaphat appointed singers “to walk ahead of the army singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: ‘Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever.”
The scripture reveals as they began to sing following the instruction, the Lord did his part. He caused the armies of Moan, Ammon, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. They stacked and killed each other and not one of the enemy escaped.
“When all the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God came over them. So Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.”
They won the battle by singing, worship and praise. They asked God for help. They humbled themselves admitting they could not do it alone. And, when they were told how to succeed and win; they obeyed the direction; no questions asked. It may not have been how we would have strategized or planned it; it was God’s way and ultimately that’s all that matters! We need to step aside, let go and let God move and follow his instruction without question, nor hesitancy.
Even in battle, we sing!
What a mighty God we serve; the best strategist in the world!
ritasalomon 