When times are hard, praise Him

‘Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord…as they went out at the head of the army.’ - 2 Chronicles 20:21 NIVUK  

When we’re facing a battle – a tough situation where we’re challenged, stretched, or overwhelmed – we have a choice. We can enter the battle with a human response, or a godly response. Our human responses are things like fear, doubt, despair, or pride. We either think that the situation is impossible, or that we’ll make it through on our own. But those strategies are bound to fail. Fear, doubt, and despair can lead us to give up before the battle is won. Pride can lead to us falling and realising that we can’t do everything in our own strength. But God has given us strategies for winning, and praise is one of them. In 2 Chronicles 20, we read about the battle facing Jehoshaphat. When he was told about the advancing army, his first response was fear. The Bible tells us that he was ‘alarmed’ (v.3). But then he took it to God. He knew he needed God’s wisdom and strength for this battle (you can read his prayer in verses 6 to 12). When armies go into battle, they usually put their soldiers at the front. But ‘Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendour of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.”’ They went into the battle with praise (and they won – take a look at verses 24 to 30). However we’re feeling and whatever we’re facing, we have to make the decision to praise God; to focus on Him instead of our problem. We may not feel worthy – but He is. We may not feel strong enough – but He is. Praise invites God to intervene, so let’s start praising.

What Now?

If you’re facing a battle right now, pick a worship song and play it each morning before you face your day. Sing, dance, or just use it to help you spend time in God’s presence.