They Marched Out Singing

A coalition of nations has come up to attack Judah with a vast army. Things look bleak for the people of God. They cannot save themselves by their own might. King Jehoshaphat of Judah knows this, and he "resolves to inquire of the Lord" (verse 3). Jehoshaphat declared a fast for all the people and gathered them to pray and seek help from the Lord. Men from every town in Judah came to this nationwide prayer meeting. Then Jehoshaphat stood up and prayed. He told the Lord about their situtation. He reminded God of His promises, and He asked for help. Jehoshaphat finished his prayer this way. "We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." (2 Chronicles 20:12) 

As you can imagine, God heard and answered Jehoshaphat's prayer. (He always answers the humble prayers of his faithful people.) God sent word through a prophet saying, "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you."  (2 Chronicles 20:17)

And that brings us to our focal verses for today. Look at what King Jehoshaphat did! Look what God did! "After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.” As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. (2 Chronicles 20:21-22)

The Lord fought for His people while they were singing! I love that image of God's people marching out to battle against a vast enemy, far too powerful for them, and singing God's praises as they go because they firmly believe they are about to see a miracle.

Do you have the faith it takes to do that? Do you have the faith to sing God's praises as you march out to fight the impossible battles in your life? Remember, the Lord fought for His people while they were singing! Sing, people of God, sing!