Devotional - July 27, 2004

Jehoshaphat showed godly wisdom as he conferred with Ahab and because of it, his life and that of his men were spared from a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Arameans. Ahab wasn't as blessed. Because of his pride, he led his men into battle against the will of God.

Jehoshaphat must have felt a little proud that he'd made the right decision. That is, until he arrived home and a prophet approached him and said the wrath of God was upon him for failing to seek the Lord's counsel instead of conspiring with Ahab. However, the prophet did admit there was "some" good in the king. From that time forward Jehoshaphat made a decision to seek the Lord and lead the people in the ways of the Lord.

Reading the focal verse seems like there's little to get our attention until you consider the context in which the king acted. It's not significant when a leader assembles people to sing and praise God in church. In fact, it would be conspicuous if it didn't happen that way. But Jehoshaphat assembled the choir and told them to do something today choral minister might find a little disturbing.

The king placed the choir in front of the army and commanded them to march into battle. Hold on, you might be saying. These choir boys had no way to defend themselves. They would be an easy target for the enemy to pick them off. Were they to be a target distraction for the army of soldiers that trailed them? No. Instead they were an offensive weapon.

Not many of us realize the power of praise. At least, we don't act like it when we face many trials and tribulations each day acting defenseless, except for crying out to God to rescue us. Jehoshaphat knew what we should learn. Praise disarms an enemy while hand to hand spiritual conflict must overcome them.

You can try it today, you know. When you're up against a struggle that shatters all your dreams and your hopes have been cruelly crushed by Satan's manifested schemes. When you feel the urge within you to submit to earthly fear, and you feel the faith you're standing seem to disappear, praise the Lord! (1)

The Imperials sang it right: when things get tough or you're facing an enemy you can't imagine overcoming, the best option you have is to praise God. May God teach us the truth of His word today so we won't continue acting like we're powerless. What's the truth? No matter what we face, when we praise the Name of Jesus, our enemy becomes powerless.

1. Praise the Lord by the Imperials
2. Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( 2 Ch. 19:1-20:37 Rm. 10:13-11:12 Ps. 21:1-13 Pr. 20:4-6 )
3. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society