Apologetics

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PRAISING TO THE VICTORY

Praising the Lord is one of the most exciting and fulfilling things a Believer can do. Praise is what brings us into the presence of the Lord, while worship is what we do when we get there. The question arises as to when we begin the process of adoration. Some would believe it is after a sizable incidence of victory over a problem or difficulty. We are then in a position to let out our inward excitement in the form of emotional expression. It is easy to celebrate when an opposing situation surrenders to the boldness of the Believer. But what about before we see the result of our expressions of faith? Do we revert to praise and worship while the victory is still in doubt to our soulish reasoning?

King Jehoshaphat faced the stark reality of an invasion of an army of superior forces that would dwarf any resistance that he could offer. Realizing the gravity of the situation, he proclaimed a nation wide fast (absence of food and nourishment.) (II Chronicles 20:3) As the people of Judah gathered around the House of God, Jehoshaphat called on the Lord for deliverance, ending with the proclamation that “…our eyes are upon thee.”(II Chr. 20:12) In the maze of people, a man named Jahaziel came forth and proclaimed God’s response to the people’s request for help. What God showed them was a formula that should be pursued by every individual or assembly of Believers that face life’s challenging situations.

II Chronicles 20:17 outlines this road to victory. 1. Set ourselves and stand still. In other words, settle your mind and emotions on the Word of God and don’t be moved. To come to that reality, one must know and understand His Word. When the problem exposes its ugly head, quote the Word, believing Its power and authority. Be moved only by the Scripture and not the sculpture of the situation. 2. See the victory before you engage the challenge. Learn from the Lord’s Prayer in John 17 how He prayed on the other side of the Cross. We must see beyond the situations to the overwhelming victories that will be achieved through our faith. 3. Don’t fear. Fear is the antidote of faith. Dropping the letter “f” off “fear” shows us that our ears are susceptible to hearing the negative darts of doubt and unbelief. We must not allow our flood gates (ears, eyes) to accept anything contrary to God’s Truth. 4. Go towards the problem. Instead of hibernating in depression and anxiety, continue on with your everyday routines knowing what will be the outcome. Jahaziel left the Kingdom of Judah with the simple assurance that “the Lord will be with you.” We must always remember that God does not leave us alone to face life’s challenges, but will always accompany us wherever life leads us.

When the Word was received, they participated in a spiritual pep rally. They did this before they even showed up to the battlefield. Praise rang out throughout the land. They were so blessed that the “singers” lead their army to the enemy’s demise. The song they sang was, “Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth forever.” (v.21) Instead of singing the blues, let us lift up our voices and sing praises unto His name! When the army of the Lord came to the battlefield, they saw the enemy already defeated. AMEN AND AMEN.

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