Vanguard Of Victory

Now when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against the people of Ammon.

2 Chronicles 20:22

When King Jehoshaphat faced the combined armies of Moab, Ammon, and Edom, he proclaimed a national fast and begged for God’s help. “We have no power against this great multitude . . .,” he prayed, “nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You” (2 Chronicles 20:12). A prophet named Jahaziel gave this reply: “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v. 15).

It was then that Jehoshaphat realized he had a secret weapon. He appointed choirs to go before the armies of Judah. With all their hearts, these royal musicians sang and praised God for His assured victory. As this unlikely vanguard neared the battlefront, the Lord threw their enemies into confusion, and Judah won the battle—not with soldiers, but with songs.

How often we need to echo Jehoshaphat’s prayer! Sometimes there are problems we can’t solve. Sometimes our pressures are beyond us. “Oh Lord,” you can pray, “I don’t know what to do, but my eyes are on You.”

Praise is the Christian’s secret weapon. Satan is allergic to praise; he just can’t remain where God is being glorified.