I will extol the Lord at all times;
    his praise will always be on my lips.

Psalm 34:1

Read 2 Chronicles 20

When trouble arises, is our first reflex to look to God, to worship and praise Him before anything else? If we are honest, our tendency is to make plans first on how to “fix” the problem or take action. But how often do we worship and praise God before He has answered our prayers?

King Jehoshaphat did! Before facing the enemy, he appointed singers to the front of the army headed for battle; to “sing to the Lord and to praise him” (v. 21). Any reasonable person would say this is a foolish strategy. Why did this leader do that? Earlier in the chapter, we see that Jehoshaphat’s first response to trouble, like so many of the righteous in Scripture, was to humble himself and pray. He was “alarmed” and “resolved to inquire of the Lord” (v. 3). His private prayer then led to a public one before the assembly in the temple courtyard. Here we read the prayer of a man who acknowledged that true power does not come from within us but from the One who our eyes look to (v. 12).

Only then did Jehoshaphat exhort his people to action: “take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you” (v. 17). In other words, be faithful in what God has given you and be steadfast; knowing that the victory has been won. Is it possible to have a bad day if we truly live like this?! Even in uncertainty, they continued to worship and praise the Lord and build one another up for the battle ahead (vv. 18–20), with the choir/worship team leading praise at the head of the army. While it is easy to praise after answered prayer, may we extol the Lord at all times, for “his praise will always be on my lips” (Ps. 34:1).

Go Deeper

When a crisis arrives, what is your natural response? What do we learn from Jehoshaphat’s example? What do you need to bring before the Lord today?

Pray With Us

God, we are grateful for the wonderful examples of the heroes of faith You have given to us! May we be inspired by their faithfulness! Give us endurance to join them and in one voice glorify You.

This Devotional is from Sing to the Lord: Music in the Bible written by author Dr. Brian Lee

Find more edifying, Christ-centered devotionals and other great resources at www.todayintheword.org

The post Praise Before Deliverance | Today In The Word appeared first on 93.7 The Light.

This Week’s Bold Step

Shepherding is one of the oldest occupations in the world with its origins being over 5000 years old. The relationship between sheep and their shepherd is very special and unique as it is one of complete dependence and trust. Since sheep have little strength to defend themselves against predators, they rely completely on their shepherd to protect them. They worry little about the direction they’re traveling in or their daily food intake because they trust the leadership of their shepherd. In the ancient Near East, the care of a shepherd to his flock was a common metaphor for the leadership of people, especially kingship such as the shepherd king of Israel, David.

Few Old Testament characters have had as much impact on the Christian faith with his humble beginnings. When we first encounter David, he’s out tending to his father’s flock of sheep in the fields of Bethlehem. Though he was the youngest of his brothers and not included in the special sacrifice arranged by the prophet Samuel, he was the one God had chosen to be anointed king and shepherd a different flock, His people Israel.

What a profound moment for David! He wasn’t in the bloodline of Israel’s first king, Saul. He wasn’t rich in class or status. He was the youngest son. He was a lowly shepherd. One would think that he would have become king right then and there but surprisingly, he returns to being a shepherd like nothing happened. But something did happen that day which I Samuel 16:13 records, “The Spirit of the Lord took control of David from that day forward.” Though it would be another 15 years before David would reign as king, God would teach and prepare David during that season of waiting. It wasn’t a waste of time. Much of what David learned in that season, he applied as a leader of men.

Friend, be encouraged if you’re in a season of waiting. Like David, there is often a period of time between your calling and where you are today. I’ve learned that whatever you’re doing right at this moment is what God has called you to right now. Waiting isn’t meant to be a frustration but an invitation to be obedient and trust the good shepherd for His good timing. Ask yourself, are you allowing this time to be fruitful or frustrating?

This devotional was written by Pastor Mark Jobe and used with permission from Moody Radio.

To learn more and to access other amazing resources please visit http://www.boldstepsradio.org/

The post Waiting on the Good Shepherd | Bold Stepper Weekly appeared first on 93.7 The Light.