the most effective way to win a battle.

Can I introduce you to my new found friend? He's a king, and he's dead, but I think you'll learn to love his story like I am. His name is Jehoshaphat. And just so you know, his first name isn't Jumping. He became a king at the ripe old age of 35, and reigned for 25 years over Judah. In all respects he was considered a good king because he believed and followed God.

As a king way back in the day, you knew when surrounding countries were out to wage war against you. I don't know how exactly, but if you have ever watched Lord of the Rings,  you kinda get some idea that it takes a long time to move into an actual battle with all your army stuff.  Jehoshaphat was made aware that his country was under attack, and being the strong young buck that he was... Jehoshaphat

"was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, 

and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah." 

2 Chronicles 20:3

We are talking about real humans here. This REALLY happened. Jehoshaphat's country was about to be obliterated by neighboring armies...and he was afraid. I love that this man of God was afraid, and that we get to know!  How many men of leadership and power admit to being afraid of a situation that surrounds them and that feeling of being afraid moves them into action towards God? Amazes me actually.

There is so much more to this true story in the Bible and I hope you take time to read it for yourself, it's that good, but I hate to leave you with a knee knocking king in front of his country, so let's hit the fast forward button cuz your not going to believe the battle plan that God gave him.

"And when he had taken counsel with the people, 

he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord 

and praise Him in holy attire, as they went before the army and say,  

Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever." 2 Chronicles 20:21

SERIOUSLY????  Can God HAMMER anymore into my very being the importance of PRAISE??? DID YOU READ THAT???? The pretty singers all dressed in their finest went BEFORE The army!!  HA! That's insane!! These are REAL people. with REAL families, ALL about to do battle against THREE countries with REAL WEAPONS!!!

I'm in awe of God and how powerful praise can actually be, because in the very next line of the story we read this.

"and when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush..."  

um... yah. THE LORD SET AN AMBUSH!!!  HA!! And after the singing stopped, there were dead bodies laying everywhere and the people of Judah got to spend the next three days gathering all the good stuff laying there on the ground! Rewards!!

All I can say is wow. wow.

If praise is on your lips, you have no room for anything else, and GOD fights your battles. OHHH that I would NEVER forget to praise!!!