SCRIPTURE: 2 Chronicles 20
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. [2 Chronicles 20:22]
This passage really speaks to me.
I love how the only thing the armies of Israel do is praise the Lord, and He takes care of the rest.
This is not intended to be a military tactic for all times, but an important lesson – then and now.
Do not wait until AFTER God provides help or answers our prayers to praise Him, start right away!
To praise God is to elevate Him bigger than our enemies, our problems, our issues.
To praise God is to remind ourselves that no matter what we are facing, God is bigger, His love is stronger, His purpose is ultimate.

Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children! [Matthew 14:19-21]
Notice that Jesus thanks God BEFORE God multiplies the bread and fish.
Notice that Jesus anticipates that God will feed the multitudes, somehow.
For me the lesson here again is that our praise and prayer can begin before God provides an answer.
Based on His track record, based on His promises, based on His love and grace and mercy, we can be confident.
‘Thank You God in advance because I know You will somehow answer this prayer!’

I think of Paul and Silas in the deepest, darkest part of the prison in Philippi.
Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! [Acts 16:25-26]
They are still in prison, they are still in danger, their chances of escape are non-existent – and they are singing!
Their praise and prayers are heard by their fellow prisoners, but also by God.
Even before they are free; they were confident in God, no matter where they were, what was happening to them.

Do I do this?
What am I praying when I am in trouble, what am I anticipating?
Do I express my trust and hope, even though the enemies I am facing far outnumber me?
Do I give thanks to God, even though I do not have enough to meet my own needs or the needs of those I love?
Do I sing with joy and hope when I am sitting in a deep, dark place?

PRAYER:

Lord, today I remind myself that You are in charge of my life, and that You are bigger and greater than whatever I face. I praise and thank You for providing me everything I need to love and serve You!