Deeper in Worshipਨਮੂਨਾ

Day 23—Worship includes breakthrough praise in the midst of the battle

Devotional
There are times when you begin to praise, but it feels like a battle. There could be circumstances in your life that make you feel weak, or it feels like there is a spiritual enemy lurking close by. King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah were facing several enemy armies coming against them. As they sought the Lord, He spoke: “You will not have to fight this battle…stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you” (2 Chron. 20:17 NIV). This instruction to stand firm was not passive—they praised the Lord “with a very loud voice” (2 Chron. 20:18 NIV). And when they marched out in battle, the singers went out in front of the army (2 Chron. 20:21 NIV), giving thanks to the Lord. As they praised, the Lord set ambushes against the enemy, who ended up confused, and they were defeated (2 Chron. 20:23 NIV)! If you sense a battle in praise, this is the time to stand firm, to “shout for joy…come before Him with joyful songs” (Psalm 100:1 NIV). As you determine to praise, you are defeating the enemies of apathy, distraction, and anxiety. Instead of focusing on what’s wrong, you “enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise” (Psalm 100:4 NIV). This is the breakthrough that we often need in praise—giving God the glory and letting Him win the battle. So push into praise!

Prayer
Lord, today I determine in my heart to praise You, no matter what. Would You bring a breakthrough in my life as I declare Your goodness? Amen.

Application
Instead of focusing only on your challenges, spend the next two minutes giving thanks to God for what He has done in your life already, and declaring what He is able to do in your situation to bring a breakthrough.

Stephen Gibson