THE WEAPON OF PRAISE

“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” – 2 Chronicles 20:22

A powerful spiritual weapon that’s available to every Believer is the WEAPON of PRAISE: “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” (2Chr.20:22). Praise glorifies God but puts Satan to shame: “Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; and to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God” (Psa.50:23). When we praise and worship God, it translates to our waging war against all that is evil. Psalm 149:6-7 says: “Let the HIGH PRAISES of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand, to execute vengeance on the nations, and punishment on the peoples.”

King Jehoshaphat had diligently protected the people of Judah from enemy invasion. But suddenly he faced his toughest challenge yet. Numerous armies, vast in number, were fast approaching with the sole intent of massive massacre. Terrified, the people looked to the King, who in turn looked to God. As they found themselves outnumbered by the hostile armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, King Jehoshophat and all the people sought the Lord’s help. The Lord assured the people that this would be His battle; that they should go out against the foes, and He would do the fighting for them. Being the people of “praise” (Judah actually means Praise), and knowing that God manifests His power through praise, the children of Judah simply sent their army against their enemies, led by the praisers!

The praisers pressed on, ahead of the army declaring, “Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever!”  In the midst of real pressure and fear, the people chose to fill their minds and hearts with the truth of who God is – His might, power, and strength. Corrie Ten Boom, who experienced genocide first hand during the Second World War, once said, “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within you, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God, you’ll be at rest.” Judah entered into “rest all around” (v.30)

Praise stills and silences Satan: “Out of the mouth of babes and infants You have ordained strength, because of Your enemies, that you may silence the enemy and the avenger” (Psa.8:2). Praise invites God’s arrival on the scene. Praise changes our perspective. It lifts the attention off ourselves, our challenges, and limited, fragile thinking and shifts it on the unshakable and all-powerful provision of God. Praise manifests God’s Presence, and automatically repels the enemy’s presence. An atmosphere of worthy worship and praise to God by humble and contrite hearts is disgusting to the Devil.

Praise frightens and confuses the devil. Satan flees from the Lord’s habitation in praise. Praise repels and expels the enemy. Every time you lift your hands in surrender and praise to God, Satan is caught hands down! Every time you open your mouth with a “Thank You Jesus,” the devil is put into perplexity, because he cannot comprehend how you could remain positive in face of prevailing pressures and amidst the incessant onslaughts of his fiery darts. You need to ascend to the place in your walk with God where Praise elevates you to His very Heart, such that when we praise God, strongholds are destroyed, chains are broken, healing is released, and deliverance is wrought.

When we begin to praise God’s name, it sends the enemy running! I challenge you to become a Person of Praise, and you will experience unique release of God’s Power! Beloved, open your mouth and reach down into the very depths of your soul and spirit, and give God the right kind of Praise that He has placed and stirred up in you.