When your circumstances feel insurmountable, and you feel fear or despair, what is your knee-jerk reaction? Is it anger? Is it the overwhelming desire to “do something”, to just rush into action? Sometimes, our reaction might be to withdraw into denial or even depression. There are many different choices in how we respond to situations we can’t control. Rarely though, is our first thought, “Well, let’s just have a praise session!” However, years ago, that is exactly what the Lord taught me to do.

In 2 Chronicles chapter 20, we read about King Jehoshaphat and the kingdom of Judah facing a great army. The encroaching army was actually a combination of enemy armies who had joined forces to attack Judah. The number of forces was far greater than Judah could ever humanly hope to successfully withstand, much less conquer. The circumstances were insurmountable. In response to the threat King Jehoshaphat and the nation of Judah fasted and prayed.

The answer from God was a bit unorthodox. God said, “This battle is not for you to fight, I will fight it.” Further instructions were for each one to take their assigned position and watch as He delivered them. Can you imagine the confusion of the soldiers? “You don’t want me to fight? You just want me to show up and stand in place?” I can imagine some of the pre-battle conversations between battle-hardened soldiers was incredulous to say the least!

On the morning of the battle the army showed up and took their positions. But, instead of deploying the infantry, the generals sent the choir out in front of the troops to lead the way. In 2 Chronicles chapter 20 verse 22, we read that as the choir sang the praise of the Lord, He set ambushes and annihilated the enemy troops.

I sing on the Praise Team at church, so this account hits very close to home for me. I can imagine myself as part of the choir that morning of the battle- how confusing and honestly scary! Can you picture the scene? I wonder, were the singers timidly hovering closely to the first line of soldiers? Or were they courageous, striding forward with full and sonorous voices? The scriptures tell us that as they were obedient and began to sing, every enemy soldier turned and killed the one next to himself. The entire army of Judah stood by and watched as Praise was used as a frontline weapon. In Psalm 22:3, David reminds us that God inhabits the praises of His people. I can think of no safer place to be than in the presence of God praising Him.

Today, as you face your circumstances, choose to praise Him. Take your position (whatever is required of you) and praise Him. Then watch as He fights for you!