Wednesday, April 16, 2025
And the Levites, of the Kohathites and the Korahites, stood up to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice. And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.” 2 Chronicles 20:19-20 ESV
Praising God in Times of Uncertainty
Jehoshaphat, not knowing what to do in the face of the great threat of certain defeat, prayed to the Lord for guidance. We learned from Jehoshaphat’s example that the first thing to do when we don’t know what to do is to focus on God. The second thing we learned from Jehoshaphat’s example is to praise God in the face of uncertainty.
They had been given the promise by God that they would have victory over this battle because it was not their battle - it was the Lord’s. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's. Tomorrow go down against them… You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf...’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you.” 2 Chronicles 20: 15b-17
They were praying and thanking God while a group of them stood up and started praising the Lord. The element of fear was gone. The promise of God was in their hearts and praise was the result. They might have still be a little nervous because they were human, and God still wanted them to go to the battle, but they praised anyway.
Worship in the hard times is a choice we make over defeat, a true sacrifice of praise when our heart is anxious. We are human and God knows we will have human feelings, even when we believe His promises. Worship is a soothing balm for our very human feelings, and it reminds us of the things we know - God’s faithfulness and promises.
Gathering together in corporate worship is one of the most important things we can do. Coming together in adoration for Him and confessing His truth together is powerful. It is a weapon against Satan and focusing on our God instead of our problems is a testimony of our faith in Him. God accepts the offering of praise and makes it an occasion for His power to be devastating to the enemy. Community worship unites us as one body before Christ, in agreement of his promises and claiming His victory.
