"God, what am I going to do", he silently prayed. This was not the first time he stared death in the face. His thoughts drifted back to the time the enemy mistakenly thought he was the Israeli King. Their orders were to kill him but God supernaturally intervened when Jehoshaphat cried out to Him for help. Could it be that God wanted to show Himself strong once more? Turning to the messenger he knew what must be done. "Everyone in Judah must begin to fast. Have them gather in Jerusalem that we may seek the Lord's help".
News spread rapidly and the people of Judah assembled together in from of the new courtyard at the Temple of the Lord. The crowd restlessly waited to see what their king was going to do. Jehoshaphat solemnly stood before them He lifted up his voice to Heaven to beg for deliverance...it was their only hope.
"O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you! Now the armies of Ammon, Moah, and Mount Seir are coming to invade our lands. They have come to throw us out of your land. Oh our God, won't you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack. We don't know what to do, but are looking to you for help!"
The king's earnest prayer was met with silence from the Lord. His eyes scanned the anxious crowd as He wondered if anyone had received a message from God. Slowly a man made his way to the front of the crowd. Jehoshaphat then knew that God had sent his spirit on this man.
"My name is Jahaziel and this is God's response to our prayers. Don't be afraid or discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is nor yours, but God's. Tomorrow, march out against them but you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord's victory. He 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!" Responding to the Lord, King Jehoshaphat and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem bowed low with their faces to the ground, worshipping and praising the Lord.
Early the next morning, the army gathered together for the battle at hand. After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. "Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!" At the sound of praises, the approaching troops began to turn on themselves and fight each other. The Lord had sent a spirit of confusion into their midst and utterly destroyed the enemy!
News spread rapidly and the people of Judah assembled together in from of the new courtyard at the Temple of the Lord. The crowd restlessly waited to see what their king was going to do. Jehoshaphat solemnly stood before them He lifted up his voice to Heaven to beg for deliverance...it was their only hope.
"O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you! Now the armies of Ammon, Moah, and Mount Seir are coming to invade our lands. They have come to throw us out of your land. Oh our God, won't you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack. We don't know what to do, but are looking to you for help!"
The king's earnest prayer was met with silence from the Lord. His eyes scanned the anxious crowd as He wondered if anyone had received a message from God. Slowly a man made his way to the front of the crowd. Jehoshaphat then knew that God had sent his spirit on this man.
"My name is Jahaziel and this is God's response to our prayers. Don't be afraid or discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is nor yours, but God's. Tomorrow, march out against them but you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord's victory. He 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!" Responding to the Lord, King Jehoshaphat and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem bowed low with their faces to the ground, worshipping and praising the Lord.
Early the next morning, the army gathered together for the battle at hand. After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. "Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!" At the sound of praises, the approaching troops began to turn on themselves and fight each other. The Lord had sent a spirit of confusion into their midst and utterly destroyed the enemy!
There is a weapon you and I cannot live without...it is the weapon of praise. I love this story found in 2 Chronicles 20. To me, it is a beautiful spiritual analogy of our daily lives. Praise is our strong defense. It not only ushers in the presence of God but brings protection against the enemy of discouragement, fear, and depression. As you spend time in prayer today remember these words...
"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,
and into his courts with praise." (Psalm 100:4)
3 comments:
Thankyou Laurie for sharing this beautiful analogy!
It has encourage me to praise HIM...
So often I forget to just thank and praise in my prayers... in everyday life, there really is sooooo much to be thankful for.
If we just stop in our tracks and open our eyes to the beauty around us and the everyday victories and blessings....
Thankyou for this reminder that we have a weapon against anything that comes our way!!
Love and blessings,
Emily xoxo
wow, "Praise is our strong defense", what a truth!
Wow - what a beautiful way of telling the story....it came alive!! Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Laurie!!!! Very blessed by it.
Bethany
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