PRAISE
“Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalm 107:8)
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalm 107:8)
Before reading further, open your Bible to Psalm 107 and read the entire psalm. You will find verse 8 repeated in verses 15, 21 and 31. Get the message? That is what the psalmist wants us to do. “Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!” Do you need your spirit lifted in praise? Jehoshaphat did. Note where it all began in 2 Chronicles 19:3.
Jehoshaphat had “set his heart to seek the Lord,” and then, the bottom fell out. The sides collapsed. The top caved in. The enemy had come on the scene. What was he to do?
Jehoshaphat had just come on the scene from a beautiful experience of dedication and consecration, to a battlefield of struggle. Wisely, he prayed. Strong leaders always do. Read his entire prayer in chapter 20, verses 3-13. Now I point you to one part of that prayer that will touch you deeply. “O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no might against this great company that comes against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon you “ (2 Chronicles 20:12). Let’s claim this prayer for our own.
First of all, note that Jehoshaphat had a spiritual awareness of the situation. Second, he prayed. Third, he acknowledged that he was weak and powerless. Fourth, he didn’t know what to do. And fifth, his eyes were on God.
Did God hear Jeshoshaphat’s humble but powerful prayer? You better believe He did. In the verses 14-30, God reveals His power through the might of praise.
The weakest saint may Satan rout, who meets him with a joyful shout,
For, Satan trembles when he sees, the weakest saint upon his knees.
What praise will do (all found in 2 Chronicles 20:1-30): confuses the enemy; brings deliverance; blesses you; blesses others; blesses God; reaps benefits; brings joy, rest and peace; and more! Praise is an external expression of an internal possession! Art Yohner is a contributor to the Keswick Devotional, Real Victory For Real Life. Art has been a faithful partner, missionary statesman, and now battling health issues. Thanks Art, for investing in my life.
Compass Pointers: If there is not at least a yearning in our hearts to live a holy life pleasing to God, we need to seriously question whether our faith in Christ is genuine. Jerry Bridges
Navigation Rules to Memorize: Level 1: Proverbs 11:19; Level 2: Proverbs 11:8-13
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