As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.

2 Chronicles 20:22

One evening during praise and worship at church, I was praising somewhat more enthusiastically than usual. The day leading up to this had come with two amazing God encounters and I was responding to them. While I was praising, the Holy Spirit spoke these words into my heart:

“Praise the same way before a victory as you would after the victory.”

That brought conviction along with encouragement.

This verse in 2 Chronicles speaks of a time in the history of the Israelites. They were aware of an impending battle coming from their enemies. Instead of worrying or wringing their hands and questioning God, they began to sing and praise.

And God responded by taking the battle upon Himself and bringing them victory over their enemies.

Praise is woven through this story in 2 Chronicles. Praise before the victory and praise after the victory. There was so much loot left by their enemies when the battle was over that it took 3 days to collect it all!

Notice that they began singing and began praising. Perhaps it wasn’t as enthusiastic before the victory as it was after, but there has to be a starting point.

Begin to remind yourself of past victories. Begin to count your blessings. Begin to praise. Begin to sing unto the Lord.

Praise is acknowledging God for what He has done, worship is acknowledging God for who He is.

The story continues and says in verse 30 that the kingdom was at peace, for God had given his people rest on all side.

Do you need rest? Or a breakthough? Or a healing?

Can you take these words to heart and begin praising God before the victory the same way you would after the victory?

Thank You for Father, the victories and thank You for those yet to come. Thank You for showing us in Your word that the battle belongs to You and not me. When I feel surrounded by the enemy please remind me of the power of praise. In Jesus’s name, amen.