Jehovah-Rapha: The God Who HealsSample

Title: He Dwells in Your Praises

Devotional Content:

When King Jehoshaphat heard that a mighty army was mounting an attack against him, he cried out for God to rescue the people. As the enemy approached, God sent word that the battle was His, not theirs, and they would not even need to fight! The next day, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army to give praise to the Lord. At the sound of their voices, the Lord set the enemy armies into confusion, and they fought against one another. Not a single one escaped, and not a single Israelite was killed; it took them three days to collect all the plunder. 

Nearly a thousand years later, Paul and Silas were thrown in jail in Macedonia for preaching the Gospel. They were severely beaten and placed in stocks in an inner dungeon cell to make sure they wouldn’t escape. Around midnight, they were praying and singing hymns to God, when suddenly, a massive earthquake shook the prison to its foundations. All the doors flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! 

Some days, your battle against sickness may feel like a mighty army is marching against you, leaving you little chance of victory. You may feel bound in chains with no hope of escape. When you are fighting for your life, singing praises to the Lord may be the last thing on your mind, but praise is the most powerful weapon you have at your disposal when the enemy attacks. 

Expressing your love for God through praise can push the darkness out of your circumstances. God does not dwell in the darkness. He is not found in your sickness. He dwells in your praises. Lifting Him high in praise and worship literally changes the atmosphere. Praise sets the enemy running because he can’t dwell in the presence of God. 

Your battle for healing is not yours to fight. Send your praises on ahead. Sing hymns of praise in your prison of sickness. Watch the enemy scatter in confusion. Watch the chains fall off and the prison doors open. The enemy may have formed an army against you, but your victory is assured in Christ.

Lord, a vast army marches against me! I cry out for You to rescue me. I am held captive in this prison of sickness, and I can’t escape these chains. But I praise you Lord! I lift Your name on high!