Praising First!

Lately I have been studying the Old Testament and that long ago practice of sending the singers and musicians into battle before the warriors. What was their duty? To praise God and claim victory before the battle began.

In our day, it is common for the "front line" of offense to be an aerial attack of bombs and missiles. How different from those long ago days when the singers declared the praises of God before the battle!

In Chronicles 20:21-22, King Jehoshaphat made a decision when facing a vast army. He stood and said, "Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; having faith and your will be successful." He then appointed men to sing the the LORD, and to praise him as they went out at the head of the army saying:

"Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever!"

As they began to sing and praise, the LORD sent ambushes against the men who were invading Judah and they were defeated!

In Psalms 68, David praises God for victory in a similar situation where it appears the choir led the procession into battle

(vs. 2., 3)
"When the righteous see God in action, they'll laugh, they'll sing, they'll laugh and sing for joy! Sing hymns to God all heaven, sing out...

(vs. 19-20)
"Blessed be the Lord--day after day he carries us along. He's our Savior, our God, oh yes! He's God-for-us, He's God-who-saves-us. Lord GOD knows all!"

Why did the singers go first? Because it was acknowledgment that the battle belonged to the Lord. The very first thing I must realize and claim is that the true power is God's, and I do that through my praise and worship to Him!

There is a battle going on, and I intend to praise my way into it, and through it! God is doing something big, and I am excited for the victory!