Kristen Grossman Prose

Many of us are facing battles today. We may be battling health issues, loneliness, fear, depression, or injustice. I was praying over the phone with a long-distance friend earlier this week, and she prayed a beautiful prayer asking God to remind me that the battle belongs to the Lord.

“This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.’” (2 Chronicles 20:15)

These words from 2^nd Chronicles were words the Holy Spirit spoke through a priest named Jahaziel to the people of Judah as they faced attack from the armies of not one but three different kingdoms: Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir. As the faithful King Jehoshaphat stood before God, surrounded by all the men and women of the kingdom of Judah, he proclaimed his faith in God. God responded with His assurance that the battle they faced was one He would fight on their behalf. Indeed, according to God’s great plan, the armies of Ammon and Moab first defeated those of Mount Seir before turning on and destroying each other.

As we face our own battles today, here are three practical ways we can model the behavior of King Jehoshaphat and his people as they turned their battles over to God.

1. Pray

When Jehoshaphat learned that a massive army made up of soldiers from three different kingdoms was approaching, he gathered together the people of Judah to fast and pray. (2 Chronicles 20:3) Jehoshaphat knew the best first step was not to run off trying to hatch a plan to defeat this army on his own. He knew the best place to begin this battle was on his knees before the Lord.

When we are faced with our own battles, the same is true for us. The best place to begin our fight is in prayer, pouring out our struggles and fears before the Lord. This allows us to soak up God’s strength, peace, and comfort in preparation for our next steps.

2. March and Stand Firm

Through prayer, God may call us to take some action. In the case of Jehoshaphat’s army, God instructed them to march. “Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem.” (2 Chronicles 20:16-17)

In our own modern-day battles, God may give us different marching orders. We may be called to have surgery, take medicine, seek counseling, ask for help, or give help to others. Although the battle is God’s, rather than allowing His people to cower in fear, He gives us a task, a sense of purpose, an opportunity to step out in faith. Then He calls us to stand firm in that faith.

3. Worship and Praise

Jehoshaphat, in his great faith, took God at His word. Upon receiving the word of the Lord, Jehoshaphat and his people bowed down in worship. The next morning, as his army set out for the desert where the confrontation was to take place, Jehoshaphat instructed his men to sing praises to God. 2 Chronicles 20:22 tells us that as the troops were singing on their way to battle, their enemies began attacking and killing each other. By the time the army of Judah made it to the top of the ridge, they were able to look down and see not a vast and vicious army but a sea of dead bodies, no longer any threat to them.

What a beautiful way to fight a battle: through worship and praise. We don’t need to wait until the battle is won to lift our voices in adoration, thanksgiving, and reverence. I’ve sung the song, “See A Victory” by Elevation Worship many times, but it wasn’t until I heard it yesterday in the car that the words, “Gonna worship my way through this battle” stood out to me. I’d so much rather be worshipping and singing my way through the struggles, rather than kicking, screaming, and gritting my teeth through them.

Dear Lord, I echo the words of Jehoshaphat’s army as they sang, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever” on their way to battle. Thank you for the reminder that our battles belong to you. Amen.