"The Battle Is Not Yours But God's" Part 3

If you remember when we left Jehoshaphat yesterday he had just called on the chorus as he appointed men to sing to the Lord as they went first into battle. Why would he do this? What was he thinking? Why send the worshippers in first? Shouldn't the praise and worship come later, like after the battle is won? Jehoshaphat knew he had a choice and he...

3. Jehoshaphat chose to Worship instead of worry.

Jehoshaphat knew that when we put the focus on God by worshipping, we take the focus off of ourselves and our circumstances. It is impossible to worry, fret and fear when you have entered into the presence of God, because those things are not of Him and in His presence they cannot abide. Worship also turns our hearts towards God and off of our circumstances.

I have shared this story before, but it always seems to touch my heart.

Matthew is our 11 year old and he has SEVERE allergies. Matthew says “Paul had a thorn in his flesh, so why not me?” Matthew has many bad nights, but one particular night that stands out to me was about a year ago. Matthew was having trouble breathing and his eyes were giving him fits. As I tucked him in we talked yet again about God’s purposes and how He works out all things for our good and His glory. Matthew was feeling a little defeated spiritually and physically miserable and asked if he could sleep in our room. His daddy thought he would do better in his own bed since it has all the protective allergen covers, so I tucked him in and went about my nightly duties. As I walked past Matthew’s room this is what I heard in his precious, tone deaf, off key whisper of a voice...How can I keep from singing Your praise?How can I ever say enough?How amazing is Your love?How can I keep from shouting Your name?I know I am loved by the King And it makes my heart want to sing" Tears began to stream from my eyes and I froze and listened to this precious young man sing praises to Jesus until he fell asleep. He didn't liay awake questioning why him? He did not cry or sulk or worry about tomorrow or wonder what his next allergy attack would hold. HE PRAISED! "How can I keep from singing your praise?" God used this incredible young man of God, who I am privileged to call my son, to remind me to praise Him in ALL circumstances. Matthew and Jehoshaphat know the same truth. Worship trumps worry and they praised.

In verse 22 we see that as they began to sing and praise, The Lord set ambushes against men that were invading them and they were defeated.

These vast armies began to destroy each other. Verse 24 tells us "When the men of Judah came to the place that overlooks the desert and looked toward the vast army, they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground. No one had escaped." What they saw was God's promise fulfilled. Remember what God said in Verse 17, "You will not have to fight them." He said, go out and take your position, but this is my battle. I got this. I can handle this. You all just come and watch and be amazed. Once the battle was over they spent a few days collecting their plunder and praised the Lord all the while. They went home with joyful hearts, worshipful hearts. And verse 29 tells us that the fear of the Lord came upon all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard what had happened. And I love verse 30. And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side. N0ne of those those other Kingdoms dared to mess with them. (As my children would say, ya think?) They had witnessed or heard tell of how the Lord had fought that battle and they didn't want any part of it. Jehoshaphat was given rest.Why? Because he chose to handle it God's way. He chose to inquire of the Lord. He chose to fear God not man. Elisabeth Elliot says "The fear of God is the giving over to Him all that we are and have because He is perfectly trustworthy."

Is there anything troubling your heart today? Maybe it's financial stress, a physical ailment, a crumbling marriage, loneliness or a rebellious child? Maybe it is a broken relationship or a desired friendship? Maybe it is a feeling of inadequacy in something God has called you to do? From time to time I will ask my children, "Is something troubling your heart?" If your Father were to stand before you and say, "My child, what troubles your heart?" What would you say to Him? What is your fear tonight? What vast armies are seeking to attack you? What burden have you assumed that God never intended for you to carry? Are you willing to do what Jehoshaphat did?

1. Are you willing to remain steadfast in Him?

Psalms 62:5-8 "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."

2. Are you content to wait on Him?

Psalms 27:14 “Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

Psalms 33:20 “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.”

Psalm 38:15 “Lord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God.”

3. Will you choose to worship instead of worry?

Psalms 100:2 “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.”

Psalms 28:7 “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him”

Allow God to carry your burden. Give them to Him because He is completely trustworthy!