Let your praises go up to heaven

In chapter 20 of the 2nd book of the Chronicles, we read that King Jehoshaphat received a frightening message : "A great multitude is coming against you from the other side of the sea from Syria ... In his fright, Jehoshaphat prepared to seek the LORD, and he published a fast for all Judah" (2 Chronicles 20: 2-3).

Terrified, the king of Israel, Jehoshaphat, held a great prayer meeting : "Judah assembled to call on the LORD, and they came from all the cities of Judah to seek the LORD" (20: 4). When the people gathered together to seek God, Jehoshaphat prayed : "We know not what to do, but our eyes are upon thee" (20:12).

It was certainly one of the darkest hours in the history of Israel. They risked annihilation and had no means to stop the army that invaded them. What was the response of God in these terrible moments ? "Fear not and be not afraid of this great multitude : for it shall not be you who shall fight, but God." (2 Chronicles 20:15).

When the people heard this word, something happened in them. They had heard a word from the Lord. Now, in the midst of their darkest hour, faith has risen in their hearts - and they began to praise (2 Chronicles 20: 18-19).

The Spirit of the Lord appeared in the midst of the congregation. And when the praises of the people were ascended to heaven, the Lord sent a mighty angel to trap the approaching army. Imagine how one angel of God destroyed this entire army !

In an instant, victory was their. What seemed to be the darkest hour of the people of God became for them the hour of deliverance from God.

David Wilkerson