From fear to praise!

Jehoshaphat is about to go to war against an enemy with a vast army. He is terrified by the news that this enemy is almost within striking distance. What does he do? What can he do?

And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD. (2 Chronicles 20:3–4, KJV) Jehoshaphat sought God through prayer and fasting and instructed Judah to do the same. 

Praying during times of fear is an act of trust in the Lord. Trust is an Old Testament word for faith. The prayer of faith will ease anxiety, stress, and discouragement. It will calm the mind and soul. Fasting is an act of humility. It helps us focus on seeking God’s help. It is deep spiritual seriousness and subjection of the flesh. Notice what faith and humility produced in this time of great fear and potential peril. 

And…he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army…And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments…and they were smitten. (2 Chronicles 20:21–22, KJV) Jehoshaphat and Judah went into battle singing! Is it possible to turn fear into praise, song, and victory? Yes! God fought for Judah, and the enemy was smitten!

Though Judah prepared for the harsh realities of war by assembling and marching into battle, God responded to their praise and fought for them. What a powerful reminder for us, for we have the same God! The power of faith and humility to change our fear into praise! Meeting tough situations with praise is entirely another level of victory!


Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from 2 Chronicles 19-23.