Do you ever feel afraid? When you see the things going on in the world today, it’s a natural response – but it is not unique to our times. The men, women, and children of ancient Judah felt fear as an alliance of neighboring nations prepared to attack in 2 Chronicles 20. Their godly leader, King Jehoshaphat, responded by proclaiming a national fast and assembly at the temple to “seek help from the LORD” (2 Chr. 20:3-4, ESV). There, they heard their king’s heartfelt prayer – and God’s powerful response: “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s” (2 Chr. 20:15). That alone was reassuring, leading everyone to fall down and worship while the Levites “stood up to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice” (2 Chr. 20:18-19).
But the worship didn’t end with that assembly. The next morning, Jehoshaphat reminded them to believe in the LORD for success. Then he backed those words up with actions, appointing “those who were to sing to the LORD and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, ‘Give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever’” (2 Chr. 20:21). How’s that for a military strategy? Put the singers in front! Literally lead with singing God’s praise. March into danger with an old hymn on your lips.
It makes no earthly sense, but it worked. “And when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush against the men…who had come against Judah, so that they were routed” (2 Chr. 20:22). Their enemies started fighting each other so that by the time Judah’s singers arrived, the battle was already over. After three days of collecting the spoil, God’s people joyfully came back to Jerusalem, praising Him again with music at the Temple (cf. 2 Chr. 20:24-28).
As entertaining as this story is on its own, there’s an application in it for us, too. We need to lead with praise. Giving thanks to the LORD isn’t just for when everything is going great. Fasting together, assembling to worship, praying for God’s help, hearing God’s word, and then singing His praise immediately changes how we feel about our difficult situations. Yet, it doesn’t stop there: giving thanks first can lead to God powerfully working in all sorts of wild ways.
So, what is it that you’re afraid of? Give thanks to the LORD anyway. No matter your situation, He still is good. Lead with praise, march into each day singing, and then watch God work.
Explore more opportunities to tell God thank you through our series Enter with Thanksgiving.