Jeremiah chapter 31 verse 7 (NIV)
This is what the Lord says: “Sing with joy for Jacob;
shout for the foremost of the nations.
Make your praises heard, and say,
‘Lord, save your people,
the remnant of Israel.’
Jeremiah chapter 31 verse 11 (NIV)
For the Lord will deliver Jacob
and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they.
2 Chronicles chapter 20: Verse 21
After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendour of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:
‘Give thanks to the Lord,
for his love endures for ever.’
The first thing that struck me today in the verses from Jeremiah was that God exhorted the people to sing with joy and praise to God first before they cried out for help. I can be guilty of forgetting the principle I was taught as a younger Christian. I was told, “Praise gets the victory.” Starting our prayer time with praise and thanks puts God in His rightful place. If we start with praise, it shows we trust that God will help us as we then bring our needs before Him. It doesn’t matter that the situation or circumstances are far more than we think can be dealt with. God reminded Jeremiah that He would deliver His people from those that were stronger than them. We may feel overwhelmed by a situation that is bigger than us, but this reminds us that God is bigger than the situation.
As I was pondering these verses I recalled a song by the Christian rock group, “Petra” which I listened to often as a young Christian about the power of praise and that led me to find the verse in Chronicles where the singers were placed in front as Israel went into battle. I had then of course had to find the words of the song which has now been going on in my head all day. I managed to find it on the internet. This is the verse I recalled.
“Israel had a war to fight but the Lord showed them the secret
He said the battle this day is mine
But you must listen how to do it
Put your singers first in front of the rest
Let them praise and sing to me
And you will see the salvation of your God
And watch your enemies flee”
(Petra – Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord)
A principle I may have forgotten but which I shall endeavour now to put into practice.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me of the importance and power found in praise. It takes my eyes off myself and sets them rightly on the greatness and power of God. You are always worthy of praise, in every circumstance. Praise the Lord. Amen.