Praise in good times is very easy, but in times of trouble might seems difficult. To human reasoning, it is not the next action to take in such a situation but rather to look for ways to solve the trouble. But God has said:

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your way and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8-9

What is Praise?

It is simply an act of commendation, favorable representation in words. Do we really mean these words of commendation in our bad times that He is good, just and faithful? Logically to self-life that is purely self-deception but God’s ways are different and higher than ours. Hence, the need to look into this subject. Our situations are not palatable, God knows, yes we are in serious danger He is perfectly aware of them. This is what God is calling us to do in those seasons of depression, Praise.

Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, Engedi). ³ Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 

    

2Chronicles 20:2-3

King Jehoshaphat, besieged by the children of Moab and Ammon, they were so powerful that a whole king of a nation beloved by the Almighty God was so much afraid. Can we learn something here?. We also might lose sight of our positions in Christ Jesus in the face of the storms of life and become fearful, giving the enemy reasons to rejoice over us. But Jehoshaphat didn’t forget to consult the Lord with his people.

Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

Isaiah 26:4

How true is the word of God! Jehoshaphat regained strength when he didn’t forget his rock of refuge. Fear, when entertained robs us of our strength in the Lord, an army of the Lord is disarmed by fear and left to the mercy of his adversaries. In that situation, keep on trusting He is nearer to you than you think. The Lord gave Jehoshaphat a sure word of prophecy

And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s

2Chronicles 20:15

The Battle Is Not Yours!

The battle is not yours! Really? The Lord said it. The joy in man’s heart when those difficulties that he sees as his responsaibilities are taken off his shoulders cannot be ignored. What peace would flood his heart! So God comforted them to see the battle in another way. We also should see our situations from the same perceptive God is seeing them, we have no reason to fear. Does that mean we should be indifferent to our circumstances? Absolutely no! God did not tell Jehoshaphat to go and sleep but rather

You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”

2Chronicles 20:17

Let us hold our positions that the counsel of the Lord alone shall stand, yes they have their weapons, with which they can attempt to fight back but God asked them to step back that He might take the glory.

What did the Lord use? Praise

And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed.

2Chronicles 20:22

Yes Praise! So what are you waiting for in that situation? Enter into your Lord’s court with praises in your mouth, sing of His faithfulness.

What Did Jehoshaphat Do?

• He acknowledged God has power and might.

and said, “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. 

2Chronicles 20:6

• He remembered God’s acts of old

Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? 

2Chronicles 20:7

• He reminded God of His promises

‘If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before you—for your name is in this house—and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.’ 

2Chronicles 20:9

Then he held his position, set his eyes on God and God delivered him. It will look foolish to do this, but this is God’s prescription for his situation. Praise him while you expect the answer, you are not deceiving yourself rather you are trading your weaknesses for His strength. Let us see reasons to praise the Lord, no matter our conditions He is an ever present help in times of trouble, be filled with the hope of His goodness.

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

Psalm 42:11