The powerful weapon of praise...

by Elizabeth Stewart

I hate the devil.  I hate him vehemently.  I'm pretty sure it's okay for me to admit that, because I'm pretty sure God feels the same way.  The enemy of our souls doesn't play fair.  satan, (I refuse to give him the honor of capitalizing his name), and his demonic minions truly do come to steal, kill and destroy, and he'll use any means he can to do so.  

I urge you to stop and take the time to read the entirety of 2 Chronicles 20.  The condensed version is this. When Israel escaped bondage in Egypt, God told them not to attack the people of Moab because their land was not part of what the children of Israel were to inherit.(Deuteronomy 2:9)  Years and years later when Jehoshaphat was king of Judah, Moab and Ammon and the people of Mt. Sier united together to attack Judah.  Their purpose was to drive God's people out of what God had given them to inherit.  (vs. 11)

satan seems to use the same old tricks over and over.  his goal is to keep you from the purpose, promises and destiny God has for your life.  Oh, and he just loves to pour salt in the wound by finding someone you were good to at one time to do his dirty work.  he knows that it hurts a lot more to be attacked by someone you've got an emotional investment in, than someone you don't know.  

King Jehoshaphat seeks God for direction about what to do.  The Lord tells him, "Do not be afraid or dismayed...for the battle is not yours, but God's."  (vs. 15)  In verse 17 God instructs the king that they are not to fight in this battle, but to take their position, stand still, and see the deliverance of the Lord. (vs. 17)  Then Jehoshaphat does an interesting thing, but one that is quite appropriate when you realize that the meaning of the name Judah, the land he ruled, is praise.  Jehoshaphat appointed singers to sing to the Lord and to praise Him, "in their holy garments". (vs. 21)  When they began to sing, "Give thanks to the Lord, for His mercy and lovingkindness endure forever!", the Lord set up ambushments against the enemy and the enemy was self-slaughtered! (vs. 22)  The enemy literally destroyed themselves, killing one another!  

satan would love nothing better than to rob you of all God has promised you.  he will use any means and anyone he can to do so.  When you find yourself under attack, it's all too easy to be dismayed and afraid.  In fact, that's probably a perfectly natural response.  However you need to remember that you have some supernatural weapons at your disposal and a mighty God on your side.

First of all, make sure you have on your holy garments, your robe of righteousness.  If you face the enemy dressed in your own self-righteousness, he sees right through that to little old scaredy cat you.  But, if you are wearing the righteousness of Christ, he knows he's messing with the One Who's already defeated him.  Also, be sure to put on the whole armor of God.  (Ephesians 6:12-18).  

Then, take your position, stand, and see the deliverance of the Lord!  What is your position?  Spiritually, you are seated with Christ in heavenly places far above satan and all demonic powers. (Ephesians 2:6)  Relationally, you are wrapped up in the safe and loving arms of God.   When you are under an attack, don't run around like a chicken with its head cut off, don't be afraid and intimidated.  Just take your position and stand still.  Then sing.  Sing out loud.  Praise God with all that is within you.  We serve the God Who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  If He did it for the people of Judah, He can do it for you.  He can, He will, set up ambushments against the enemy of your soul, bring the enemy's camp into confusion, and bring his army to defeat.  

still following,

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