What is the first thing you do when you receive overwhelming news? It kinds of depends on the severity of the situation for me, but generally I go into planning mode. I like to be in control. I try to figure out what needs to happen to control the situation and get through. Worry definitely comes knocking at my door, and the word “overwhelmed” is so often in my vocabulary. I wish these weren’t my first reactions, but they are. I think that’s why I love the story in 2 Chronicles 20 so much.  

King Jehoshaphat receives the news that a vast army from Edom is marching toward his kingdom to fight against them. The king is terrified by the news and goes to God for guidance. He and the people start to pray and fast. They seek God for deliverance and the Spirit of the Lord comes upon one of the men there and tells them good news. He says not to be afraid because the battle is the Lord’s. The people won’t even need to fight; God will bring about a victory.  

What relief the people must have felt to hear this! But they still had to get dressed for battle and march out to meet the enemy early the next morning. Once they reach the wilderness, the king stops and encourages the people, “Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm.” He then appoints singers to walk ahead of the army, singing praises to the Lord. We even know what they sang! 2 Chronicles 20:21b says they sang, “Give thanks to the Lord, His faithful love endures forever.” 

There is so much to learn from this historical account, but the thing that jumps out at me today is that the people were led out in worship. They trusted God that He was going to win the battle but they still needed to show up, dressed to fight. And as they worshiped, God fought their battle. 

Is worship a part of your strategy for spiritual warfare? Is it mine? I want it to be. Let’s ask God for that…