Revelation

I like to start my day by praying and putting on the armor of God and standing against the enemy. I think it’s very important and something all Christians should do. As I was diving in to do this one morning last week, I felt this rush in my spirit to give God praise first. To exalt Him, to give thanks and to proclaim His goodness and love. I realized right away, God was showing me and reminding me that praise is a powerful prayer weapon as well!

The enemy does not like to hear us giving praise to the Lord. I’m sure it grates on his nerves like nails on a chalkboard and none of his forces like to be around it either. So, let’s give God praise! Loudly!

Real War

In the Bible, in II Chron. 20, we see the people of Judah facing three (not one, but three!) armies who have come to war against them and to destroy them. But the Lord says to not be afraid because He will fight for them. He says the people only need to march down to where the armies have gathered against them because the Lord will handle this. So the King, “Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness– as they went out at the head of the army, saying,

“Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.”

 ²² As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men…who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.” (II Chron. 20:21, 22)

Reality Check

Did you catch that? They put the worship team at the head of the army! The front lines of an actual battle is not where the singers usually find themselves. Professional soldiers usually handle those assignments. But “as they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes…”

The same is true today. We need to remember that we are also in a Real War. Just because we can’t see the enemy taking a stand against us doesn’t mean he’s not there. AND, as we begin to sing and praise, the Lord will move against the work of the enemy in our lives. And he will be defeated.

Are you facing many trials? Feel like you are hard pressed on every side? Start to give God praise. Proclaim His goodness. Out loud. Give Him thanks in prayer.

As we begin the season of giving thanks, let’s remember that as we exalt Him and give Him praise, we are also pushing back against the enemy and advancing the kingdom of God.