Power in Praise
// George DeTellis, Jr.
There is a story in the Bible about King Jehoshaphat when he ruled over Judah.
“If you praise God before it happens, that’s faith.”
A great army had formed to attack Judah and the king was gripped with fear. He prayed these words: “Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” (II Chronicles 20:12) Fear will either paralyze you or empower you. It can immobilize you or propel you. The king’s fear caused him to call the nation to fast and pray. The king set his face to seek the Lord. Praise starts with humility. Jehoshaphat realized that he was powerless against this mighty army. “We do not know what to do.” But we look up to our God to save us. The secret to “how” to win a victory is found in these words… “Our eyes are upon you.” Our eyes are on Jesus!
Then the word of the Lord came through a priest named Jahaziel. “He said: Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.’” (II Chronicles 20:15)
The battle is not yours, it’s God’s battle to fight. Just as the king recognized that the only hope for Judah was to rely upon the Lord God of heaven, we too must humble ourselves before Christ and stop believing we can fight our own battles.
“After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise Him for the splendor of His holiness and they went out at the head of the army saying: ‘Give thanks to the Lord, for His love endures forever.’ As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.” (II Chronicles 20:21-22)
Change your focus from your troubles to God’s greatness by praising Him. Celebrate God even before the victory has been won—understanding the power of praise over our enemies. Praise precedes victory. Praise works in the heavens. We are fighting spiritual battles every day.
Praise is verbalized faith. If you praise God after the fact, that’s gratitude. If you praise God before it happens, that’s faith. This is one of the wonders of praise. Praises bring down His presence and invite Him to show His power and might. God’s desire for us is that we praise Him at all times. He desires our praise. He inhabits the praises of His people. First, declare who God is. Second, remember what God has done. Third, remember His promises in Scripture. The Spirit of God works through praise. As we praise God, the Holy Spirit speaks to us. Praise has the power to realign our spirit with God’s spirit. Praise refocuses our affections. How did they fight the battle? Praising the Lord! Remember the good things He has done!
I praise God with these words, “Thank you, Jesus that you love me!” With those words I acknowledge Jesus as Lord, Savior, and the promises of our relationship. ~George DeTellis, Jr.
