I need to remember that battling is easiest, best, most efficient, and has results when I battle through PRAISE AND WORSHIP. When we praise, we are on the frontline! Jehoshaphat knew the importance of worship, so he strategically positioned the worshipers ahead of his army. "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'" (2 Chron. 20:21).
He didn't do that so the singers could get killed while the soldiers hid behind them. He didn't do that because he thought the worshipers were expendable and easily replaced. He didn't do it because he was trying to trick the enemy into thinking they were facing a bunch of unarmed musicians who were naive enough to believe they could serenade their enemy to death.
The reason he put the worshipers in the front was because their worship exalted God above all else. And nothing could prevail against the living God. The result was that when they faced the enemy with praise and worship, this so confused the enemy that they destroyed one another.
"To be in the will of God requires us to put on the armor of God and go to battle against the enemy. Worship is our greatest weapon in B.A.T.T.L.E. Bringing Attention To The Lord's Excellence. That is worship." Roz Thompson
When King Hezekiah faced a strong enemy, he told his people, "Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or dismayed....for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles." (2 Chron. 32:7-8)
I've been praying some of the prayers from Stormie Omartian's books for many weeks now. I see God moving in powerful ways. The prayers are fresh and new every morning. I thought they would become rote, you know? But, they aren't and God is doing what we're asking for in prayer. I see His hand at work. I am also finding myself praying in a fresh, new and spontaneous way because of the obedience of praying these prayers. Praise the Lord!!!!
If you are in a battle (aren't we all??), pray this prayer from Stormie Omartian's book, The Prayer That Changes Everything...
Lord, I worship You as Lord over everything. I praise You as my Almighty, all-powerful King. You are the ruler of my life and the rock upon which I stand. Because of You I cannot be shaken. Thank You that "by You I can run against a troop. By my God I can leap over a wall." As for you, Lord, You are a "shield to all who trust" in You (Psalm 18:28-30).Amen and Amen. Watch and see what the Lord will do!!!
You deliver me from the enemy who is too strong for me (Psalm 18:17).
I will "not be afraid nor dismayed" because of the force of evil that comes against me for I know that the battle is not mine, but it is Yours. I know that I will not need to fight this battle alone. Instead, I will position myself in a stance of praise and worship toward You, and I will stand still and see Your salvation, for You are with me (2 Chron. 20:15-17).
Thank You, Lord, that my enemies will fall and perish at Your presence (Psalm 9:3).
Lord, I praise You as my Deliverer and thank You that You will deliver me from my enemies. I know that "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Eph. 6:12).
You will lift me up above those who rise against me and deliver me from the violent forces that oppose me. "Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way straight before my face" (Psalm 5:8).
I give thanks to You, Lord, and sing praises to Your name (Psalm 18:49).
Thank You that You always lead us in triumph in Christ (2 Cor. 2:14).
I will sing praise to Your name (Psalm 7:17).
Day and night I will call upon You to save me. I know You will hear my voice and redeem my soul in peace from the battle that is against me (Psalm 55:16-18).
You, Lord, have the "power to help and to overthrow" (2 Chron. 25:8).
I know that you are my defender and You will fight for me (Psalm 7:10). And when the battle is over, I will be able to say this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in my eyes (Psalm 118:23).
Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThere just aren't words to describe how I feel after praying that prayer.
God Bless you, Dawn!
Amen! It's powerful, huh?
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