Let’s Just Pray

We say it like that and somehow expect people to believe that we believe prayer will change things. The word just devalues the power of prayer.

Why do we treat prayer like the last line of defense? As if it’s for the weak.

Check out King Jehoshaphat’s Battle plan in 2 Chronicles 20. Go ahead, open your Bible and see for yourself.

The Battle plan:
At the first inkling of war you may be alarmed, but like Jehoshaphat resolve to pray and fast. Ask those around you to come together and pray to the Lord for help.

Praise God for who he is and recall all he has done. Recall the good you have done for his namesake. Affirm your faith regardless of the outcome. Own your distress and commit, in spite of, to trust God.

Expect deliverance from God!

State the obvious. God already knows. Remind him of things he’s asked of you and how you have obeyed. Tell him how you’re being mistreated now.

Remember all he has done. Ask God what he will do about your current circumstances. Admit your powerlessness against your enemy, and your complete dependence on God.

Then listen! Listen to what God has to say. Don’t try and manufacture an answer, just position yourself and listen.

Who knew Jahaziel would speak? He was just standing in the crowd. Jehoshaphat’s been doing all the talking; he is after all the king. Why wouldn’t God speak through the leader of the people, to the people?

God chooses his mouthpiece and we can miss our answer expecting it to come a certain way. Instead, keep your eyes and ears open. Be alert. God is listening and he will answer.

This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.

Choose faith over fear and dependence over discouragement. Then stand firm as instructed here in 2 Chronicles 20:17 and in Ephesians 6:14. Put fear and discouragement in their proper place – under your feet – which are clothed with peace (Eph 6:15).

Now, prepare to face your enemy, an action preceded by both individual and corporate worship. Have faith and praise God along the way…Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.

Sing praise to the Lord after the battle is won. And then, rest in the peace only God can give.

Prayer, when facing a formidable foe, is certainly counter intuitive, but does it sound like a weak alternative? Does it look puny and devoid of power? Or does it smell like victory?

Hope Renewed Through Praise

I was feeling pretty low this week and God in the most practical, yet miraculous way let me know—He’s listening, He knows, and I am not alone. I was listening to K-Love radio, while in the car. Each time I got into my car there was a song about getting through the trials of life. All of them echoing the cry of my heart—I just want this pain to be over, how much longer, I will trust God anyway.

The song that resonated most was, Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns. This one line in particular:
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

These words brought Job to mind. I am not equating my circumstances with that of Job, but things don’t have to get that bad to realize life is hard. There are days I want to throw my hands up (usually not in an attitude of praise).

The story of Job is so familiar, I don’t think I need to delve into the details, but I will give these highlights:
He was a wealthy man
In one day he lost nearly everything
His wife did not understand his allegiance to God
Three friends and one youngster sat in judgment of his condition
God commended him for being blameless and upright

Job’s response: “Then he fell to the ground in worship.” (Job 1:20) That is rarely my response to God when I’m in pain. But I am learning.

Praise You In This Storm
Casting Crowns
from the album Lifesong

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say “Amen”, and it’s still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

Chorus:
I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

What does it mean to you to hear, God is always with you? (See Matthew 28:20)
How does it feel to know that He holds your tears? (See Psalm 56:8)
When life is difficult, will you choose to praise Him?

Find the full text of the song and hear a sample at klove.com