Centering Praise

Last night I was blessed.

A few of us gathered for a praise band practise--many had experienced a week of some frustration and our spirits were a bit ragged.  We started out by looking at 2 Chronicles 20: 15-17 which explained to us the words of God that came to Israel as they faced an enemy that far outnumbered them.  This is what the Lord told them: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jeruslaem!  This is what the Lord says to you:  'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.  For the battle is not yours, but God's.  Tomorrow march down against them.  They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel.  you will not have to fight this battle.  Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.  Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you."

So they did.  And do you know what the King told the people to do as they stood there facing an impossibly large enemy?  He told them to sing praises to their God who would fight on their behalf.  As they sang, right before their eyes, the Lord began to defeat their enemies!

You have to imagine the scenario:  a real army, with real people, in a real life and death situation, facing an army of real soldiers with real weapons that could take your life.

And they sang.

In a small way this is what happened to us at praise band practise.  As we sang praises to our Lord, our hearts became centered on Him and our frustrations, the enemies in our minds, began to melt away.  In His presence our spirits found peace.

My wife and I drove home with wonder in our hearts--we were so blessed.

As I write this today, I want to encourage you who are reading this:  no matter what enemy you face, the Lord desires for you to trust Him in such a way that you rely on His resources to fight your battle for you.  All He asks is that you would stand, with courage, in the face of whatever you are challenged with and do this:  praise Him.  You don't have to sing, but take it from me, there is something about singing to the Lord that takes us to a place of worship where our focus is on Him alone.

Jesus, we praise you, and we sing our worship to you today.  Vanquish our foes and let us see your power manifest in our midst.

The power of centering praise--there's nothing like it.

BT