Finding God's Presence ~ Out of The Darkness Came a Song

by Nan Jones   @NanJonesAuthor

Out of the darkness came a song - a battle cry across the hills of Jerusalem. Singers, trumpets, tambourines and harps offered praise to the Lord as the soldiers marched into the enemy's camp.

Praise led the way. 

Praise ushered in the Presence of God. 

Praise offered the assurance of victory against overwhelming odds.

Isn't that true for us? When we follow the Lord's instruction to praise Him in the battle, it confounds the enemy, welcoming His Presence into our circumstances. Always.

That's exactly what happened to King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:

Tiny Israel was surrounded by a multitude of armies bent on destroying them. After seeking the Lord, Jehoshaphat called an assembly. Together, they proclaimed the greatness of God, "O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You? (vs. 6).

God's response was, "Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's (vs. 15).

"And when he [Jehoshaphat] had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: 'Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever.' Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated" (vs. 21-22).

The children of God chose to take the Lord at His Word. As they began to sing and praise God, they expected Him to fight for them simply because He told them He would. As they offered Him praise, God went before them and set ambushes against the enemies - He fought the battle for them. 

Should we be surprised? God inhabits the praises of His people and works miracles on their behalf because of His great love.

I've been surrounded lately too. Have you? Armies of doubt, fear, brokenness, and overwhelming despair have had their targets set on me, but God has taught me to praise Him for who He is when I can't praise Him for my circumstances.

Out of my darkness comes a song - a battle cry across the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains offering praise to the One who goes before me, to the One who fights my battle.

He is all we need.

"When everything falls apart
Praise His Name
And when you have a broken heart
Just raise your hands and say
Lord, you're all I need
You're everything to me
And you'll take the pain away..." (Sheri Easter, Praise His Name)

Are you surrounded by a multitude of enemies? The Lord is no respecter of persons. What He does for me, He will do for you.

Won't you praise Him with me?

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Tweetables to Encourage Others

Where is God when the enemy has a target on my back? @NanJonesAuthor might help. (Click to Tweet)

What does praise have to do with it? @NanJonesAuthor offers insight. (Click to Tweet)



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If you received Morning Glory via email, please visit the Morning Glory page and turn up the volume really loud. I'm featuring Sheri Easter singing, "Praise His Name". Oh. My. Goodness. If you're in a battle, this is the song for you.

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