Suggested Reading: 2 Chronicles 20:1-30
In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat of Judah discovered that an alliance of Ammonites, Moabites and Edomites had massed an army to attack the nation of Judah. Jehoshaphat consulted the Lord who promised that they would be delivered without lifting a finger to defend themselves. But God wanted them to march out to the battle and watch as God delivered them. So, After consulting the people, the king 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!” (2 Chronicles 20:21, NLT). Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah trusted God so much that when he told them they would be safe they marched out to meet the enemy armies with their singers, not their soldiers, on the front lines, singing a song of thanks to God before the battle took place.
We understand the promises of God, that God will never leave us or forsake us, that God will meet all of our needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus, that God knows our needs before we ask, and that God works all things for good for those who love him and are called according to his purposes. But in spite of God's promises, we often worry, fret, and take up defensive postures, preparing to hit the tough times of life head on, as if we have to rely on ourselves. But if we trust God, we should act like it. We should let go of our own fears and concerns long enough to let God do what God wants to do in our lives. We should meet the tough circumstances of life with worship and songs of thanksgiving before we join the battle of the day.
If you really believe God will keep his promises, then act like it. Don't take up defensive postures; trust him enough to send in the singers.
In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat of Judah discovered that an alliance of Ammonites, Moabites and Edomites had massed an army to attack the nation of Judah. Jehoshaphat consulted the Lord who promised that they would be delivered without lifting a finger to defend themselves. But God wanted them to march out to the battle and watch as God delivered them. So, After consulting the people, the king 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!” (2 Chronicles 20:21, NLT). Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah trusted God so much that when he told them they would be safe they marched out to meet the enemy armies with their singers, not their soldiers, on the front lines, singing a song of thanks to God before the battle took place.
We understand the promises of God, that God will never leave us or forsake us, that God will meet all of our needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus, that God knows our needs before we ask, and that God works all things for good for those who love him and are called according to his purposes. But in spite of God's promises, we often worry, fret, and take up defensive postures, preparing to hit the tough times of life head on, as if we have to rely on ourselves. But if we trust God, we should act like it. We should let go of our own fears and concerns long enough to let God do what God wants to do in our lives. We should meet the tough circumstances of life with worship and songs of thanksgiving before we join the battle of the day.
If you really believe God will keep his promises, then act like it. Don't take up defensive postures; trust him enough to send in the singers.
