To praise God at any time is a good thing, but to praise Him in a difficult circumstances is an intentional choice to trust God no matter what. We do so by focusing our heart, mind, and will on God who is bigger than our circumstances.
We are told to rejoice always, and to give thanks in all things. We are encouraged to live our lives in such confidence in God that we are not shaken from our trust in Him by any circumstance. And because God was enough, Jehoshaphat said, in effect, “let’s raise a hallelujah.” Jehoshaphat certainly could not understand God’s instructions from a human logical standpoint, yet he believed God’s words and believed in the ultimate goodness and power of God. Jehoshaphat prayed, believed the answer God gave him, and had faith that God would work. This story provides insight into the power of living a life of praise and thanksgiving to God regardless of our circumstances. As they “raised their hallelujah,” God caused confusion among the enemy so they destroyed themselves, without the army of Judah having to strike a single blow. These singers were instructed to sing praise and thanksgiving to God for all His goodness.
Instead of sending warriors when the enemy approached, Jehoshaphat sent singers. What Jehoshaphat chose to do was, perhaps, the most difficult decision he could make. Or even more, to do something that did not seem to help the situation at all. It would be terrifying to fight powerful forces, but imagine how hard it would be to do nothing. God told the army to stand and watch as He fought for them and brought them victory. After fasting and praying, Jehoshaphat received direction from the Lord.
Judah’s army was outnumbered by the Moabite and Ammonite armies. The Old Testament story of King Jehoshaphat illustrates this truth. It reminds us of the Biblical principle that God inhabits the praises of His people, and that God will marshal the forces of Heaven on our behalf as we sing out His praise. It says when we are in the midst of our enemies, when unbelief is creeping in, when we are in the middle of a storm or surrounded by darkness, in every circumstance, we should raise a hallelujah of praise to God. Immediately after giving my life to Christ, I was drawn to 1 Thessalonians 5:18 which says, “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” From the beginning, God taught me praising Him, regardless of the circumstances is appropriate, important, and powerful.
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